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Local teams show improvements in second week

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

There were numerous improvements for many of the local football teams last week, though for some the records may not show it.

• Region 4-AAAAA: Fayette County (0-2) hosted Jonesboro and lost 21-6. The Tigers had 197 yards rushing with Channing Welch rushing for 70 yards and Ri’Chard Davis rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown. Defensive standouts were Tyler Betsill, Andy Petty and Chris Adams. Coach Tommy Webb also credited kicker Barrett Ratliff for kicking well.

Jonesboro took a 3-0 lead with a minute left in the first quarter and then added a touchdown and a two-point conversion with just under three minutes to go in the half to go up 11-0. Fayette County’s drive toward the end of the half stalled and Jonesboro had enough time to try to add some more points after a Tiger punt. Jonesboro completed a pass and called a timeout with seconds remaining, though most of the Fayette County team missed it and left the field. They were called back from the locker room to play the final five seconds and Jonesboro added a field goal.

The Cardinals went up 21-0 after a touchdown pass in the third quarter and the score remained the same until Davis took over at quarterback late in the fourth quarter. Calling quarterback keepers and using his speed, the Tigers ran off three quick first downs and marched rapidly down the field. With five seconds remaining, Davis threw a pass and Jonesboro was called for pass interference. Though there was no time left on the clock, the Tigers were given one more play and Davis made the most of it, running 13 yards for the touchdown.

Fayette County will host South Gwinnett (1-1) Friday. The Comets lost to North Gwinnett 20-15 and defeated South Forsyth 21-0.

Starr’s Mill (2-0) put together a more solid offensive attack in last week’s game against Pebblebrook and won 35-13. The Panthers built a 21-0 lead by the half with touchdowns from Kyle McCreary, Antonio Scott and Sean O’Brien. In the second half, the Panthers got touchdowns from Carter Scurry and Matt Johnson, each of whom recovered fumbles. The defense was once again solid throughout for Starr’s Mill. Johnson and Justin Dupont each had 10 tackles, while Tyler Olmstead and Thomas Parks each had an interception.

Starr’s Mill will be on the road once again as they travel to take on Spalding (0-2). Spalding lost to Salem 20-9 and Upson-Lee 14-6.

• Region 4-AAAA: McIntosh (1-1) faced Villa Rica last Friday and lost 20-7. McIntosh took an early lead after blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown. A missed field goal prevented McIntosh from taking a 10-0 lead. The Chiefs trailed 14-7 at the half and had several opportunities in the second half but their drives stalled out. The Chiefs will have this week off before traveling up Georgia Highway 74 to take on Sandy Creek.

Whitewater faced Heard County last Friday and lost 26-20. Heard County had a 26-7 lead and Whitewater scored late to get closer to Heard. Scoring touchdowns for the Wildcats were quarterback Jay Bright with a two-yard run, Jonathan Bringuel with a 20-yard touchdown reception and Blake Underwood with a three-yard touchdown run. This week, Whitewater will host the McIntosh JV Thursday at 6 p.m.

Sandy Creek (1-0) was off last week and will play at Northgate (2-0) this Friday.

• Region 5-A: Landmark Christian put last week’s loss to Twiggs County behind them and defeated Cross Keys 54-20. The Landmark defense had four interceptions in the game and two were returned for interceptions. This week, Landmark hits the road to take on Social Circle (0-2). Social Circle lost to Monroe Area 21-7 and Monticello 20-12.

Our Lady of Mercy (0-2) built a 13-0 lead over Walker last Friday, before some minor injuries to starters paved the way for a Walker comeback. Wynton Yates had an interception and a 75-yard touchdown reception for the Bobcats, while Juston Bryant added the other score with a 22-yard touchdown run. Coach Curtis Barrineau saw a lot of positive things in the game and credited Doc Lee and Brian Kinnally for having a good game on offense and Mike Donald and Jason Bryant for having a good game on defense.

This week, Our Lady of Mercy will host Oglethorpe County (1-1), a speedy team that the Bobcats will have to tackle right away if they want to win. Oglethorpe lost to Banks County 30-27 and defeated North Oconee 38-0.

All games scheduled for Friday will start at 7:30 p.m.