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Capers out to make most of his chance

• After a hot start to the season, Wildcats WR Tavaris Capes was relegated to the bench, but now has a chance to step back in as a starter an dplay a crucial role.

Colin Chmielewski

ALBANY — Tavaris Capers caught seven touchdowns during the first three games of this season.

But the South Georgia Wildcats’ receiver hasn’t caught one since.

Capers, a rookie out of Central Florida, has typically been the fourth pawn in a three-man chess game this year. With starters Chavis McCollister, James Robinson and Scott Cloman hauling in plenty of catches, Capers hasn’t been a regular part of the offense.

But a wrist injury to Robinson will give Capers the chance to get back in the mix Saturday at the Tennessee Valley Vipers.

“He said he’s been falling behind on the touchdowns and catches,” quarterback D. Bryant said. “So he’s excited to be out there. He hasn’t had the chances the last few weeks with everybody healthy.”

After Capers’ strong start — which was needed after McCollister’s early injury — he had a four-game stretch with zero catches. His 18 catches on the season are nearly 30 fewer than the next receiver (Robinson with 44). But Capers is looking forward to making his mark this weekend.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity anyway,” he said. “I’m just going to pick up the slack for (Robinson). It’s not going to be any different.”

Coach Derek Stingley doesn’t expect there to be any dropoff with Capers in the lineup. He also hopes that the 5-foot-9 receiver can shine in the spotlight like he did earlier this season.

“He’s going to play every offensive snap,” Stingley said. “This is his game to break out, hopefully. It’s his time.”

LINE CHANGE

Due to a slew of injuries for nose guard Joe Woolridge, the Wildcats will attack the Vipers with a patchwork defensive line.

Woolridge has two pulled groins and a strained lower abdomen that will force him to sit out this game. Coaches are hoping that this week off and the bye next week will have him set to travel to Manchester on June 30th.

With one of South Georgia’s best pass rushers sidelined, Stingley will move defensive end Courtney Young to nose guard and move linebacker James Harris to end. Linebackers Derrick Lloyd and Jason Null may also play some end.

“It’s going to be a different look,” Stingley said. “Hopefully with their athleticism and their speed, we can still get that same pass rush.”

The changes also have created some opportunities for other players to see action. Defensive back Pierre Lee will be activated for the first time this year. Roland Cola will play defensive back and wide receiver. And Greg Golden is lining up at linebacker for the first time.

THE “WOW” FACTOR

While McCollister would be the last person to admit he was pleased with his individual performance in Saturday’s loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the rest of the league took notice.

McCollister’s 16 catches for 308 yards and 8 TDs earned him af2 Player of the Week honors. He set af2 records for receiving yards and scores in a game.

Offensive coordinator Rickey Foggie said word officially was out on the performance.

“I talked to some of my buddies that I played with in the AFL, and it’s crazy,” Foggie said. “Those numbers that he put up — that’s an athlete. To see him do that in person is truly amazing.”

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