Georgiana School is perhaps in the least enviable position of any other Class 1A football team.

After suffering losses to two tough opponents in a row, McKenzie School and Geneva County High School, the Panthers now face one of the traditional heavyweights in the division in Brantley.

But the Panthers are accustomed to having the odds stacked against them, and first-year head coach Ezell Powell said that his players welcome the challenge.

“We know it’s going to be a tough ball game, and the guys know that they’re going to have to play four quarters of football to even have a chance at winning,” Powell said.

“But they’re excited about the opportunity, and are looking forward to playing.”

But Powell sees his players improving at an impressive rate.

Even in the tough loss to Geneva County, Powell has found something to build on.

“I thought we threw the ball extremely well, and I’m not a guy that likes to throw the football a whole lot,” Powell said. “If we minimize mistakes, turnovers, play sound on defense, and have a more balanced attack, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

The Panthers were 18-for-26 through the air for nearly 200 yards in last Friday’s loss.

In addition, six players finished the game with at least two catches, with sophomore Demarcus Rich leading them all with 10 catches for 96 yards.

Powell said that those developments were most pleasing to see, but the most impressive developments occur both on and off the field.

“Some of my older guys understand that some of the guys we’re counting on in key roles are in eighth and ninth grade, so they’re doing a great job of keeping them motivated and being leaders,” Powell said.

The showdown with Brantley kicks off at 7 p.m. in Georgiana.