Collins Hill beats Parkview for first time

Behind a stout defense and a host of running backs, Collins Hill earned its first football victory over Parkview on Friday night at Fahring Field in Suwanee. The teams had played four times previously, the last a 31-17 Parkview victory in 2003. The Panthers also beat Collins Hill in the 2000 playoffs and the 2001 and 2002 regular seasons.

Friday’s victory was the first for Collins Hill coach Bill Wells. The team celebrated by giving their coach an ice bath just before the defense tackled Parkview quarterback Clayton Wilkin in the end zone to seal the 30-9 victory.

“Parkview has a storied tradition,” Wells said. “We’re going to settle back in and think about [next week’s opponent] Dacula.”

On a third-down play from the 30, quarterback Michael Box connected with Dustin Hallmark behind the secondary, and the senior receiver trotted the final 50 yards to give Collins Hill the lead 7-0.

Parkview trailed 14-3 at halftime after three turnovers, the last helping Collins Hill add to its early lead. Two plays after the Eagles defense recovered a fumble by Parkview quarterback Kalik Barnes, Charles Perkins scored from 24 yards away, going untouched after a bump at the line of scrimmage.

Collins Hill got touchdowns in the second half from backups. Third-string tailback Jamie Hertica broke several tacklers and tiptoed up the left sideline for a 40-yard score in the third quarter, and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke found Destry Berry for a 22-yard touchdown pass with 4:54 remaining..

“We knew it would take more than just the starters to get it done,” Wells said.

Parkview’s lone touchdown came with 2:54 left to play, as Christian Newsome scored on a 3-yard run that capped a 53-yard drive.

The Panthers sustained a drive late in the second quarter that ended with a 24-yard field goal by Adam Gustafson. With less than three minutes before halftime, Parkview drove from its own 32 to a first-and-goal situation at the Collins Hill 8, but the Eagles called off the drive with 25 seconds remaining.

Auburn signee Brandon Jacobs rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries for Parkview.