It was, at best, an ugly way to get a new football season started. Baldwin fell behind 14-0 to Peach County as the result of three snaps in about a minute of game time. Peach’s Colter Ginn had as many touchdown passes as Baldwin had interceptions on Braves Field, and the final score read 50-20.

Braves head coach Jesse Hicks knows, however, it’s just as important to get back to work after a 30-point win as it is a 30-point loss. Yes, he admitted to questioning himself and seeking advice from a mentor of the past while in his office after the game. The message: win or lose, prepare.

Arguably Baldwin’s most anticipated non-region game of 2022 is this Friday against Putnam County High. On opposing sidelines are relatives, fellow church members and life-long friends.

Even the most talented student-athlete among them all, Putnam County’s senior receiver/safety, Jalon Kilgore, started his high school career as a Baldwin Brave.

“For both programs, both communities, in places like this, you need games like this,” said Hicks. “Not just financially. Our kids know each other. They go to church together. Some of them are related. It’s a good deal.”

Under head coach Shaun Pope, Putnam County High football had rebirth in 2021 with a 10-0 regular season and Class AA quarterfinal run that ended against eventual state champion Fitzgerald. Hicks said it’s another good football team his Braves need to play early.

“I think we played one of the better teams in 3A the other night,” he said. “That Ginn kid was magnificent. I know we blew some coverages, but he put the ball in great places.”

Kilgore, with older brother Gerald playing quarterback, had 37 receptions for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. Looking at his play as a free safety, 25 major colleges extended offers to Kilgore, and he committed to No. 1 on his list, South Carolina.

“We know Jalon’s talent. He comes from a marvelous family,” said Hicks. “Some of our kids go to his father’s church. He’s a better person. Can’t let him get loose when the ball’s in the air. When you say he’s committed to an SEC school like South Carolina, that tell’s you a lot about him.

“But he’s not the only one over there.”

The Braves will also need to be aware of DJ Bland and Tamarion Peters, two more two-way threats who were key players in the 2021 success.

While Baldwin lost to Peach last Friday, it was Putnam’s first bye week. So this Friday, unless Pope changes his mind, is the debut for a true freshman at quarterback for the War Eagles.

“I got a chance to watch him (in a scrimmage) vs. Greene,” said Hicks. “He’s going to be good in the future. As a coach, when I look at a freshman back there throwing to Kilgore, maybe we need to bring a little pressure, put some people in his face. That’s a natural deal. But I’m pretty sure the kid will be prepared. Again, it’s going to be our execution vs. theirs.”

Despite the margin against Peach, the overall record only shows 0-1. Baldwin players know how bad it looked; they watch it again on film. What could be easily forgotten is that, down 14-6 in the first period, the Braves were driving into Peach ground looking to close that gap. The result was the first of those three INTs, and it was never close from there.

It’s the response that Hicks was looking for this week. Cleaning up a host of penalties is also high on the agenda. There was no panic, however, but the usual implementations on Monday and changes to fix breakdowns on special teams.

“We had more than our share (of mistakes),” said Hicks. “You’re not helping the defense (with turnovers) against Peach County. We played bad football. I don’t put that on the kids. I put that on me. As a leader, you have to own it. I guarantee we will be better.”