Highlights from Week 2 include revenge for Mount Paran, historic celebration in Augusta
Article and photos courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution –> Original Article Here
Not much movement in the top 10 on either the public or private side after this weekend. Here are some notable results:
Aquinas defeats Laney as schools celebrate historic game
Aquinas evened its record at 1-1 with a 38-12 win over Class AA Laney. At halftime, the schools’ bands played together and a ceremony was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first integrated game played in Richmond County. Players who participated in the 1967 game joined Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis and Mayor Pro Tem Mary Davis on the field for a proclamation and photos, according to the Augusta Chronicle. In 1967, Laney defeated Aquinas 30-0. The teams played again the next season and in 1969, then again in 1974 and 1975. Laney won those five contests by a total of 176-0. The two Augusta schools restarted the series last season as Aquinas won 19-18.
No. 4 Mount Paran gets a little revenge
After losing twice to No. 8 Fellowship Christian last season, once in Week 2 and again in the second round of the state playoffs, Mount Paran took a little revenge Friday night with a 26-7 win. The Eagles (2-0) were led by Chandler Webber, who had two touchdown runs in the first half to help stake Mount Paran to a 19-0 lead at halftime. Jake Allen scored the other touchdown on an 8-yard run. Next up for the Eagles is a tough road test Friday at Bremen, No. 10 in Class AAA.
No. 1 ELCA’s Mays makes a statement
For the last two seasons, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy senior RB/S Josh Mays shared carries with Trevor Gear. In fact, Gear got the majority of the work and so Mays focused more on being an all-region safety.
But this season Mays should be the man in the Charger backfield and he announced his presence in Friday’s 35-7 win over Class AAAAAA Jonesboro. In last week’s 21-14 win over Eagle’s Landing in the season opener, Mays ran for 80 yards. In Friday’s victory over the Cardinals, Mays rushed for 205 yards and a touchdown.
“We expect that of Josh,” ELCA head coach Jonathan Gess told the Clayton News Daily after the game. “He came out on fire tonight. Last week, he had 80, 85 yards rushing and I think he was disappointed in that. He was on fire tonight. Anytime you have a running back rushing for over 200 yards, your offensive line is doing its job. I’m excited for them, we have to keep moving.”
No. 5 Darlington gets out of the gate quickly
All-region running back Taj Whatley ran for three touchdowns on just five carries, as No. 5 Darlington jumped out to a 29-0 first quarter lead en route to a 50-0 win over Gaston of Alabama. The Tigers beat Gaston 51-0 to open last season. The quality of Darlington’s opponent will increase considerably next week when the Tigers host Ridgeland, No. 9 in Class AAAA.
No. 5 Commerce impressive in 2017 debut
New quarterback. New running backs. No problem for No. 5 Commerce. Sophomore quarterback Nate Ray, in his first game as a starter, led the Tiger offense to a 407-yard performance, 340 on the ground, in a 42-13 win over Class AA Banks County. Commerce’s traditional wing-T offense was paced by senior Easley Smith (92 yards, 1 touchdown), juniors Dylan Deaton (80 yards, 1 touchdown) and Caleb Mason (50 yards, 2 touchdowns). Junior Jaylen Dorsey returned an interception for a touchdown as well.
Mount Vernon looks to take another step
Last season Mount Vernon Presbyterian made the state playoffs as a member of the Georgia High School Association for the first time, finishing 6-5. The Mustangs hope to make it two consecutive years in the post season and got off to a great start toward doing just that with a 28-0 win over Whitefield Academy. Mount Vernon was led on offense by quarterback Reggie Burnette Jr (144 yards passing and a touchdown) and running back Austin Douglas (192 yards rushing, 225 yards total offense, three touchdowns).
NCC picks up first win in over a year
Congratulations to North Cobb Christian and head coach Mark Hollars. The Eagles picked up their first win under the second-year coach’s leadership, 20-17 over Strong Rock Christian, Friday, in the season opener for both teams. NCC was winless last season. The Eagles’ last win was a 37-0 victory over Stewart County in the final game of the 2015 season. NCC played a non-region schedule that year.
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