MOULTRIE – If Sue Youngblood didn’t have injury issues prior to a competition cheerleading season at Colquitt County High, that would be news.

But that again is the reality for the Packer squad with competitions set to begin Saturday in Houston County. Youngblood reported Wednesday a concussion, ankle injury and knee problem in her team of 15 girls, none of whom are seniors.

But Colquitt will hit the mats and do whatever they can to register with the judges and hope that the quality of the routine will make up for a lack of numbers.

Youngblood’s group has 11 sophomores, one junior she said hasn’t cheered since 8th grade and three freshman.

“But we are experienced from middle school and high school competitions,” the coach said. “We have to get through these injuries and put our routine together.”

And that routine, according to Youngblood, is “fan-friendly.”

“It’s very easy to cheer along with,” she said. “The audience will recognize the music.”

But because of the wounded Packers, Youngblood they’ve had to make a lot of changes and take it easy with the stunts. Where she believes Colquitt is strong is in tumbling. Everyone tumbles in this routine, and it’s important because – with 15 cheerleaders at full strength – Youngblood said they will not get the maximum score possible. That requires a team of 16.

“I’m short a flyer,” said Youngblood, who couldn’t get one to try out. “You can’t make one overnight. But we will take the deduction (for not having 16) and try to make up for it on the scoresheet.”

On Oct. 20, Colquitt hosts Packer Pride at the high school with 24 teams, 11 being middle schools. Youngblood said there is significant growth in the program at that level, and that is where positions like flyers develop.