This isn’t the start coach Roger Gentry and the Sonoraville Phoenix wanted to get off to in 2012.

Sonoraville has lost two tough games in the first two weeks to Pickens County and Gilmer.

But the only thing they can do is put those games in the rearview mirror and start new this Friday when they visit Model for their final non-region contest of the season.

The Phoenix (0-2) have had some solid success against Model in the past few years, going 4-2 all-time against the Devils, including beating them twice last season. They beat them 14-6 in Week 2 and then 27-14 in the final week of the season in the Region 7-AA crossover matchup. (Sonoraville moved to Region 5-AAA with the GHSA’s reclassification.)

Sonoraville has had a hard time getting anything going consistently in the early season, having some success in spurts in games, but not being able to string together several positive plays.

This past Friday, Sonoraville was kept off the scoreboard by Gilmer a week after putting up 21 points against Pickens County.

Sonoraville’s new spread offense has looked good at times under the direction of quarterback Tyler Harris. But mistakes have hurt the Phoenix in critical times. Running Jackson Murray has emerged as Sonoraville's go-to weapon. Murray scored all three TDs on the ground in Week 1, and had 43 yards rushing on eight carries last Friday.

Penalties have also been a problem in both losses, with Sonoraville committing eight for 70 yards against Gilmer. The week before they had several costly penalties as well as tempers ran high in the opener.

Their opponent this Friday, Model, is also looking for consistency this season, as they looked good in a Week 1 win over Christian Heritage before going on the road and losing in Week 2 to Mt. Pisgah Christian.

The Devils are under the direction of coach Gordon Powers, who took over for Lynn Hunnicutt. Hunnicutt resigned after last season.

Powers was the Model coach from 2003-2008 and carried the Devils to their last playoff appearance in 2003.

Prediction:

Sonoraville hasn't had very much luck early in the season, but this Friday will be a good opportunity to build some confidence before region play starts next week.

Model has struggled in recent years, and the Phoenix have taken advantage of that with four straight wins over the Devils.

That streak should continue on Friday.

Score:

Sonoraville 24, Model 21