Camden Co. tops Peachtree Ridge for AAAAA title

Camden County had an answer for the second-longest touchdown run in state finals history. It was the second-longest touchdown pass.

Christian Milstead’s 85-yard strike to DeAngelo Smith in the third quarter — two plays after Ronnie Smith’s 94-yard run for Peachtree Ridge — helped rally Camden County to a 21-14 victory in the Class AAAAA final in the Georgia Dome.

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Jason Getz/jgetz@ajc.com

Peachtree Ridge running back Brandon Stanley (2) gets knocked off of his feet by Camden County defender Gavin Oliver (29) after a short run in the first half of their game in the Class AAAAA state final at the Georgia Dome Saturday

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It was Camden County’s second state title. The Wildcats (15-0) also won in 2003.

“What a game, first of all,” Camden coach Jeff Herron said. “What a game.”

It was the third time in five playoff victories that Camden came from behind in the second half.

Peachtree Ridge took a 14-7 lead with 8:41 left in the third on a burst up the middle by Ronnie Smith, who had 159 rushing yards. The only scoring run from scrimmage longer in GHSA finals history, which dates to 1947, is a 99-yarder from Sean Dawkins of Parkview in 2000.

But Camden tied it on the pass to DeAngelo Smith, a wide receiver committed to South Carolina. The only longer pass in the finals is an 89-yarder by Lowndes in 1980.

“When I called it, I thought it was a stupid play,” Herron said. “But De is a special player, and Christian has a great arm.”

Milstread attempted only 21 passes in Camden’s five playoff games, but the touchdown tied the game 14-14. Camden’s defense made a stop, then drove 52 yards for the game-winner, all running plays.

Darrell Williams’ 1-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, came with 1:12 left in the third.

Peachtree Ridge drove past midfield in the final two minutes, but Ty Booth intercepted at the Camden 35 with 1:30 left to clinch it.

Peachtree Ridge led 7-0 at halftime despite trailing in total yards 135-63. The scoring drive was set up when linebacker A.J. McDonald recovered a fumble at midfield.

Peachtree scored in six plays, with Brown running it in from the 3 with 32 seconds left in the second quarter.

Earlier in the half, Camden failed on fourth-down plays in Peachtree Ridge territory from the 33 and 37.

But Peachtree Ridge appeared bent on destruction in the second half. Nick Lombardo threw an interception on the Lions’ first possession, and Camden’s Josh Johnson returned to the 1-yard line. Williams scored two plays later, and it was 7-7.

Peachtree Ridge then muffed a kickoff, which rolled out of bounds at the 1. But Lombardo swept for 5 yards, and Smith broke loose from there on his 94-yarder.

Camden County 0-0-21-0 — 21

Peachtree Ridge 0-7-7-0 — 14

PR — Ronnie Smith 3 run (Ed Hicks kick)

CC — Darrell Williams 1 run (Matt Ehasz kick)

PR — Smith 94 run (Hicks kick)

CC — DeAngelo Smith 85 pass from Christian Milstead (Ehasz kick)

CC — Williams 1 run (Ehasz kick) 1:12