Norcross no match for Peachtree Ridge

Peachtree Ridge started its season with two humbling losses, but they came at the hands of Harrison and Lowndes, two strong teams.

The Lions took their lumps in both games, but they haven’t lost since, winning their seventh consecutive game on Friday, 20-7 against Norcross.

Peachtree Ridge improved to 7-0 in Region 7-AAAAA, securing a top playoff berth.

Lions’ coach Bill Ballard said his team played the best game of the season, given what was at stake and the caliber of the opponent. The Lions will host North Gwinnett, also undefeated in region, next week in a game to decide the region championship.

“We’re getting better as we go,” Ballard said. “But we’ve got a huge challenge next week.”

Behind a dominating performance by the offensive line, the Lions ran for 216 yards, led by Brandon Stanley’s 107. Quarterback Nick Lombardo completed nine of 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.

While the Lions offense came up with big plays when they needed them, their defense shut down Norcross. Lineman Chris Carroll and linebackers Kevin Minter and Tanner Botts bottled up Norcross’ D.J. Adams, holding the Maryland commitment to a little more than 3 yards a carry. The defense had 11 plays for losses.

Minter, who has committed to LSU, said his teammates were focused on Norcross all week. He had just a trace of his voice after the emotional game.

“We were just so intense,” he said. “We played so physical. I’ve never seen my team like that. We’re a force to be reckoned with.”

Defense helped Peachtree Ridge take a 10-7 lead before the half. Connor Norman intercepted a pass with two minutes left, which led to an Edward Hicks field goal with two seconds left.

After another Hicks field goal, an interception by the Lions’ Brian Williams led to a touchdown. Ronnie Smith, who finished with 91 yards, scored on a 4-yard run to give Peachtree Ridge a 20-7 lead with 1:18 left in the third.

No. 10 Norcross fought back, but on a fourth-and-goal at the 2, Adams was stuffed by Minter and a host of Lions.

“I’m real proud of how we played,” Ballard said. “We’ve got a unit that plays as a group.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Peachtree Ridge scored first on perfect 27-yard pass from Lombardo to Mitchell Williford.

Norcross (6-3, 5-2) answered quickly on its next drive, with quarterback Charles King floating a deep pass to Prince Kent, who made an over-the-shoulder basket catch and ran in for the 69-yard touchdown midway through the second period.

The Blue Devils travel to Collins Hill next week, the winner securing the third seed in the playoffs.