Alpharetta has its sights sets on a third straight region championship. The Raiders took another step in that direction Friday, mauling Centennial 39-0 on the Knights’ home field.
Miles Smith ran for three touchdowns, and William Downing had an interception and a recovered a muffed punt to set up Raider scores.
Alpharetta (5-1, 5-0 6-AAAAAA) has was won five straight since an opening loss to Milton. Centennial (3-3, 3-2 6-AAAAAA) had its three-game winning streak snapped and has lost five straight to the Raiders.
Alpharetta’s defensive line, led by Tennessee-commit Andrew Butcher, caused havoc for a Centennial offense that was forced to play four quarterbacks due to injuries and ineffectiveness. Sophomore Casen Conway started for the Knights. Luke Able, Tee Holland and Caden Herrin all played series at quarterback for Centennial, which had homecoming spoiled by the Raiders.
It was Alpharetta’s first shutout since the 2012 season.
The Raiders took command in the first half. Smith opened the scoring with a 29-yard run. Downing picked off Centennial quarterback Casen Conway on the Knights’ first play of their ensuing drive. Alpharetta quarterback Austin King hit a streaking Ryan Kopec on the next play for a 44-yard touchdown pass that put the Raiders up 13-0 with three minutes left in the first quarter.
Lem Cobbs capped the Raiders’ next drive with a 7-yard touchdown run. Downing then recovered a muffed punt at the Centennial 15-yard line, leading to Smith’s second touchdown, an 8-yard burst that put Alpharetta up 27-0 at the half. Smith finished with 131 yards.
Luther Martinez led Centennial with 74 yards rushing.
Alpharetta’s Cam Adams scored on a 59-yard run late in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders are at Chattahoochee next week. Centennial will look to bounce back at Habersham Central
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