TIFTON — The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane hit the road tonight, perhaps their last road trip for several weeks. The Hurricane, 7-1 and aiming for another Region 1-AA championship, travel to Blakely to face the Early County Bobcats, a team in many ways their polar opposites. The Bobcats, 7-4-1, a season ago, come into this game with a seven, but in the wrong column. They are 0-7-1, on the verge of their worst campaign since 2008’s 1-9 finish. No Early team has ever gone winless. Fitzgerald’s Jason Strickland has no explanation for their lack of luck, only theories. Maybe a couple of larger graduation classes had left a younger, more inexperienced team. They may just naturally be down a bit. Or simply, “one of those years.” The Bobcats posted 13 points in their first game, a loss to Eufaula (Alabama) before tying Seminole County 7-7 in their second game. Everything has been an immense struggle since. Already replacing a three-year starter at quarterback, they were dealt a blow when 2016 starter Kevin George was lost for the season. Eli Cushing has stepped up in his place. Fitzgerald expects to see a wing T offense from Early County. “Some of the things they do are a bit unconventional,” he said. Amazingly, the offense that was once standard for the state, has fallen. This will be only their second wing T of the season, first since their opener against Irwin County. In years past, defense has been a point of pride for Early. This year, it’s been a bit more shaky. They held Berrien, Cook and Brooks County all under 20 points, but gave up 44 last week to Thomasville. That has been the “bigger surprise” to Strickland, “how they performed against Thomasville.” Early’s ups and downs provide some mystery, but he has no doubt that they will be up to par tonight when they square off at 7:30. It is Senior Night in Blakely. “They will bring some energy,” he said. Energy has not been lost on Fitzgerald. In the three games they have played since losing to Tift County in the final minute, they have posted 40 or more points in each and have given up just 14 points. Against Brooks County last week — a game normally a barn-burner — the ‘Cane dominated, 40-7. Strickland was surprised by Thomasville’s performance against Early; the Brooks score may have been more of a shock. Was he even thinking of a win to that degree? “No, I was not,” he said. Turnovers early in the game contributed to the score. Then, “J.D. King and James Graham had one of their signature moments.” King had three catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 129 more and two touchdowns. Just as impressive was Fitzgerald’s defense. The team recorded six sacks, three by Marlon Jackson, and picked off two passes. Strickland said he knew his line would be strong all season, but they have really come into their own. The whole group was playing well, he said. A win tonight will solidify Fitzgerald’s position in the region, but they won’t be able to clinch just yet. Thomasville plays Brooks and if the former wins, Thomasville and Fitzgerald will play next week for the region title. If Brooks wins tonight, then beats Berrien, Fitzgerald will still need a win against Thomasville to avoid a three-way tie for first place.