Two weeks after the game was canceled, they will now travel to Norcross to face the Wolves and begin their quest to make another deep run in the state playoffs after falling in the Class 2-A quarterfinals to AA powerhouse Callaway 41-20 last season.
The delay in the season while also dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and students going to fully virtual learning has had a huge effect on the Astros so far this preseason.
Veteran head coach Rodney Cofield who has been coaching for 20 years says his players are responding well to everything that has been going on.
“The kids have been responding very positive,” said Cofield. “They’ve been coming in every day and working. They’ve been putting the effort forward; I’m proud of them.”
Preparation is the key to any great team’s success, especially the Astros. Their preparation and game plan will be a bit different this year as they move to Class 3-A Region 5 this year. It is a different and tough region as they face opponents such as Wesleyan, Sandy Creek, Greater Atlanta Christian, and Sandy Creek.
Although it is a lot different for the Astros this season, Cofield understands the season and preparation must go on.
“Football is football,” Cofield said. “You [have] to play great teams such as Wesleyan and Callaway to get you ready for your own region.”
The region is tough for the Astros this year as eight of the teams were in the playoffs last season and one is the defending state champion in the Cedar Grove Saints.
On the offensive side of the football, the Astros return key offensive starters including their star running back in Quintavious Lockett.
Lockett is a crucial part of the Astros offense as the running game begins and ends with him.
As for returning quarterbacks Quindarius Sterling and D’Andre Watson, they will continue to trade spots and bring a balance to the Astros offense.
Kickoff time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Wesleyan High School in Norcross.
