For much of the 2012 football season, the Statesboro defense has been a brick wall. Faced with a do-or-die game against Cross Creek last week, Jackson Ware helped the Devils turn in one of their best performances yet.
    Ware came up with two of the Devils’ seven forced turnovers en route to a dominating 64-21 victory and a spot in the Class AAAA state playoffs. The junior cornerback set the tone for the game on the first play as he saw a fumble pop loose and beat everyone to the ball.
    “I saw the ball and all of those linemen going for it,” said Ware. “It just kind of bounced right to me. I’m not sure how I got through everyone else, but I grabbed it and just started running.”
    Ware wasn’t done with his stellar play as he intercepted a pass later in the first quarter. Both of the turnovers that Ware caused came deep in Cross Creek territory and led to Statesboro touchdowns on the ensuing drive.
    “We were playing with a lot of confidence,” said Ware. “Everybody executed exactly like we needed to.”
    Ware and the Devils now move on to the first round of the playoffs Friday night at Mary Persons.

    The 2011-12 season couldn’t have ended much worse for Kyera Whitaker.
    Not only did the Lady Blue Devils bow out in the second round of the Class AAAA state playoffs, but Whitaker went down with a torn ACL. Now, in her senior season, Whitaker has battled her way back onto the court and is ready to lead her team once again.
    “I was pretty upset when (the injury) happened,” said Whitaker. “All that I wanted to do was get up and help my team. Rehab was rough, but it’s just what I had to do to get back.”
    Although she is still undergoing therapy, Whitaker expects to be in uniform for Statesboro’s season opener Friday night.         Her knee is mostly healed, leaving the tough competition that awaits her as the biggest step left in her recovery process.
    “Everyone is just telling me not to be scared about getting hurt,” said Whitaker. “I think that I’ll forget about it once I get in the game. I know that I might not have the same minutes and that I have to work my way back into the rotation, but I’m just excited to get out there and play again.”