Timeout helps Peachtree Ridge defeat McEachern

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Peachtree Ridge’s timeout preserved a 24-21 win over McEachern in Saturday’s Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia Dome.

With seven seconds left in regulation, McEachern kicker Nicholas St. Germain booted a 47-yard field goal to tie the game. McEachern’s players celebrated on the sidelines, while Peachtree Ridge’s defense remained on the field.

After the referees huddled, it was determined that Peachtree Ridge had a called a timeout just before the snap.

St. Germain lined up to kick from the same distance with three seconds remaining. This time, his attempt missed, clinching the win for Peachtree Ridge.

The Lions won in their debut in the Classic, which featured four games between Cobb County and Gwinnett County schools.

The Lions clinched the day for Gwinnett, which also had Brookwood and North Gwinnett win their respective games.

Kell, also making its debut, was the only Cobb team to win, holding off Grayson 13-10.

Peachtree Ridge had a disastrous start to the game when running back Raham Dixon lost a fumble on the first offensive play of the game.

McEachern took over at the 23-yard line, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity. The big blow was when quarterback Trent Thompson was whistled for intentional grounding while being tackled for a sack.

McEachern didn’t waste its next chance on offense, however. The Indians marched down the field on an 11-play, 65-yard scoring drive.

Coach Kyle Hockman rotated the quarterbacks, also playing Dondre Purnell. With first down at the 5, Purnell threw a bubble screen to Chris Davis, who beat the defensive pursuit around the corner for a touchdown.

Peachtree Ridge responded with an 11-play, 80-yard scoring drive to tie the game. The biggest play was quarterback Billy Best’s clutch third-down pass for 21 yards to Justin Watts.

Diandre Atwater, one of eight new starters on the Peachtree Ridge offense, later ran it 3 yards up the middle for the touchdown and a 7-7 tie.

McEachern 7 0 7 7 — 21

Peachtree Ridge 7 0 0 17 — 24

M — Chris Davis 5 pass from Dondre Purnell (Nicholas St. Germain kick)

P — Diandre Atwater 3 run (Justin Watts kick)

M — Amba Etta-Tawo 51 pass from Purnell (St. Germain kick)

P — Tyler Botts 49 interception return (Watts kick)

P — Billy Best 1 run (Watts kick)

M — Zarold Wilder 73 run (St. Germain kick)

P — Watts 29 FG