Immature kids from different backgrounds who came together and played great football together," recalled receiver Paul Baker. We were on a tidal wave, acting crazy and having fun. "That year was an amazing year and Im so proud I was a part of that team, I sometimes wonder where we rank among the great teams since we left, hard to compare I guess. For the rest of the team, there was always next year. For the seniors, it was the last time they would put on their green and gold uniforms. And, just like that, the season was over. Although the Irish won the second half, 7-6, they came up short 26-21. After Dublin tied the game at 14, Edward Jackson took the ensuing kickoff back for 94 yards putting an end to the green team's momentum going into the halftime. But, the back breaker came in near the end of the first half. The Americus Panthers returned to the Shamrock Bowl determined not to lose to Dublin twice in a season. James was still on the mends from a debilitating injury. Andre Payne, remembered that running back Willie Spikes was on the field in the hospital bed at the edge of the end zone. It was a cool, damp night on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Derrick Harris took the ball end from the one-yard line for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to lead Dublin to a 16-12 win over Perry High in a game which the Irish almost lost. The Irish offensive drove did what they had to as well and that was to score at least at least a field goal in the second half. With unequaled determination, the Irish defense got their needed shutout in the second half.
For the third time in the first nine games, the Irish were down at half time. The Irish sealed the game when they tackled the Peach quarterback in the end zone for a safety near the end of the game. As they had always done that season, the Irish defense bowed up and stopped a go ahead scoring drive late in the game. With the Irish headed toward an 8-0 record, every opponent was playing hard to end Dublin's undefeated record. In a case of deja vu all over again, the Irish jumped out to a 17-0 lead against the perennially powerful Peach County Trojans, who came roaring back to cut the score to 20-13. (Tracy Willis and Flim Thomas make stop - left) The Dublin defense, which spent a lot of time on the field, held on and stifled their opponents to lead the Irish to a 21-9 victory. Coach Davis felt his Irish were "on the ropes" until Mitchell Marion scooped up a Cougar fumbled and sprinted 63 yards to turn the tide back in favor of the Irish.
Crisp County roared back to cut the margin to 14-9. With two quarterback sneaks by Harris, Dublin jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. The Irish made it a lucky 7-0 in Cordele.