Kevin Minter was at Berkmar three years ago when Peachtree Ridge rode its stout defense to a split of the Class AAAAA title with Roswell. But Minter, in his second year playing at Peachtree Ridge, remembers watching the 2006 defense and thinks this year’s unit stacks up just fine.

The LSU commitment spearheaded a dominant defensive performance, quarterback Nick Lombardo threw two touchdown passes, and Peachtree Ridge won its 10th game in a row, 17-7 over Harrison in the second round of the Class AAAAA playoffs.

“They had a lot of great players, [but] this year is different,” Minter said of the two defenses. “We’re quick to the ball. We’re pretty good, too.”

After a scoreless first half, Tanner Botts recovered a Harrison (9-3) fumble, and the Lions finally scored on Edward Hicks’ 35-yard field goal to make it 3-0 midway through the third quarter. Following another turnover, this time when Mitchell Williford intercepted Burnett, Lombardo found Connor Orr for a 12-yard touchdown that put Peachtree Ridge (10-2) ahead 10-0.

“I’m real proud of the defense considering [Harrison is] so good on offense,” Peachtree Ridge coach Bill Ballard said. “They were trying to take the run away from us, so we had to throw the ball to win.”

The Hoyas didn’t go quietly, answering with an 80-yard, 10-play drive culminating with Burnett’s 1-yard sneak to make it 10-7.

It only took Peachtree Ridge two plays to put the game away. Brad Roby returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards to Harrison’s 27-yard line, and Lombardo connected with Williford for a 27-yard touchdown and a 17-7 cushion.

Neither defense budged in a scoreless first half. Peachtree Ridge, led by Minter, forced five first-half punts and held the Hoyas to 56 total yards. Harrison’s best shot at points came late in the first quarter after Burnett hooked up with Garrett Reed for 15 yards and Jase Brooks for 24 yards. But three negative runs and a holding penalty halted the drive.

“We had a great week of practice; we played smash-mouth football,” Minter said.

Peachtree Ridge, meanwhile, reached Harrison territory on three separate drives in the half, and on its most promising possession, a blow to the head penalty negated a 32-yard touchdown run by Brandon Stanley.