Wednesday, October 18, 2000
Wednesday, October 18, 2000 |
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Teams stay on track, for better or worse, in week 7 By MICHAEL BOYLAN It appeared as though the Fayette County Tigers were going to give a birthday gift to their school on Friday night, as it celebrated 75 years of educating students. The Tigers (1-6) went into the locker room at halftime leading Jonesboro 15-0 and carrying all the momentum. All that changed. Jonesboro came out in the second half and scored on the fifth play of the third quarter, after a fake punt. They missed the extra point but went on to score another 17 unanswered points, winning 23-15. Fayette County got a good performance from kicker John Deraney, who made field goals of 42 yards, 50 yards and 24 yards. Drew Furey scored a touchdown off a one yard run after an interception by Josh Davis in the second quarter. The defense for Fayette county looked terrific inthe first half, putting lots of pressure on Jonesboro and forcing mistakes. Fayette County travels to Tara Stadium in Jonesboro on Friday to take on Forest Park (5-1). The Tigers need to focus on the positives of Friday night's game and play a full four quarters of good football. Starr's Mill (7-0) entered Friday night's game against Stockbridge having beat the top teams in AAAAA. As long as the Panthers didn't overlook the Tigers, a win was almost guaranteed. They didn't overlook Stockbridge and won, 35-0. The Panthers, now ranked eighth in AAAAA, will have their homecoming on Friday night, hosting the Morrow Mustangs (2-4). Sandy Creek (4-2) hosted Heritage on Friday night and looked good on both sides of the ball. The offense, which has had trouble putting up a number of points in recent weeks, scored 28, while the defense shutout the Heritage Patriots. Sandy Creek, now ranked seventh in AAAA, is playing with a lot of intensity and will need to keep it going this week as they travel to take on Westlake (3-4). McIntosh (1-5) hosted Riverdale on Friday night and lost 42-0. The Chiefs could not stop the speed and athleticism of the Raiders and could not mount a successful scoring attack. Things don't get any easier this week as McIntosh travels to face Mt. Zion, Jonesboro (5-1) on Friday night. East Coweta (6-0) had a huge test on Saturday as they took on the Lovejoy Wildcats. The Indians do not face very many difficult opponents in the remaining weeks of the season, so a win would help them make the playoffs. East Coweta won 34-27, giving more confidence to the offense and the defense. The win also vaulted them into the rankings, as they are currently ranked ninth in AAAAA. Landmark Christian (1-6) was shutout for the second week in a row as they lost to Jefferson, 27-0. "We have been improving week to week," said Coach Fred Gilkeson. "This game was a bit of a step backwards but we also had to contend with several injuries." Four War Eagle starters had to leave the game and Ben King played a majority of the game witha thigh bruise. King recorded 12 tackles this week and 17 the week before. Chris Rentz had some good runs on Friday as well, recording 60 yards. The War Eagles have a bye week this week and will get some much needed rest. The Northgate Vikings (5-1), which were idle last week, travel to take on the Greenville Patriots (5-1) on Friday night. Northgate is currently ranked ninth in AA and needs a win to help secure a playoff spot. The Vikings jumped up a spot in the polls despite the bye week. They are currently ranked eighth. |
