Walton nips Norcross in OT

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Walton's Zach Miller booted an extra point in overtime to lift the Raiders to a 28-27 win over Norcross on late Saturday night in the Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia Dome.

Both teams scored in overtime, but Norcross kicker Conner Hawks had his PAT attempt blocked. It spoiled a heroic comeback by the Blue Devil, which trailed by a pair of touchdowns at the end of the second half.

For Walton, it was the head coaching debut of Rocky Hildago, the longtime assistant for the Raiders under Ed Dudley, who left after 14 years to take the top spot at Ware County. Hildago celebrated wildly with his assistants as Miller's kick sailed over the cross bar.

"If I have 299 more in a row like that, I'll be dead," joked Hildago. "It was a lot of fun, that's the only thing I can say. I enjoyed the whole game right up until that final kick, and I always felt confident we were going to pull it out."

Norcross had the opening possession of overtime, and scored on an 1-yard keeper by quarterback Ronald Rose, who also threw for three touchdowns. However, Hawk's PAT attempt was blocked, igniting a celebration by the Walton fans.

Walton got a bad break in overtime when it had the ball at the Norcross 1 and was whistled for a five-yard penalty for a false start. The Raiders were pushed back, but quarterback Joey Windler rescued the team with a pair of back-to-back runs, the second one going for a 2-yard touchdown. It was the fourth touchdown run of the game for Windler..

Miller calmly jogged onto the field and kicked the PAT for the 28-27 win. Tim Ruesseler had been kicking for Walton earlier in the game.

"We've got two good kickers, and we were giving the other one a try," Hildago said. "Miller was healthy after having a leg strain so we gave him a shot."

On the game's opening kickoff, Walton recovered a fumble at the Norcross 14-yard line and had Windler score three plays later.

Norcross kept it close in the first half, mainly due to an all-star performance by wide receiver Geremy Davis. On the ensuing possession by the Blue Devils, Rose heaved up a wobbly pass and Davis cut in front of the defender to dive for a spectacular 38-yard catch. Three plays later, two teammates connected again, with Davis jumping high in the back of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown catch and 7-7 tie.

Davis later scored his second touchdown by hauling in a 31-yard pass with five second remaining in the first half.

Walton has been one of the state's top Class AAAAA teams over the past five years, winning four region titles and advancing to the playoff semifinals twice under Dudley, who took the top spot at Ware County.

Walton-Norcross Box Score

Walton 7 14 0 0 7 — 28

Norcross 7 7 0 7 6 — 27

W — Joey Windler 3 run (Tim Ruesseler kick)

N — Geremy Davis 9 pass from Ronald Rose (Conner Hawk kick)

W — Windler 4 run (Ruesseler kick)

W — Windler 6 run (Ruesseler kick)

N — Davis 31 pass from Rose (Hawk kick)

N — Domonique Mason 5 pass from Rose (Hawk kick)

N — Rose 1 run (kick blocked)

W — Windler 2 run (Zach Miller kick)