Here’s what went down Friday night with a look ahead to two of the best games on the board next week.
Aquinas wears down Lincoln County
Aquinas (8-1, 4-0 in Region 7-Division B) outscored No. 9 Lincoln County 14-0 in the second half, while the Irish defense held the Red Devils’ vaunted rushing offense to less than 100 yards in a 24-3 win in Augusta. It was the first time Aquinas defeated Lincoln County at home and the third consecutive win over the Red Devils after losing 32 straight. Senior quarterback Liam Welch completed 10-of-21 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns for the Irish, who will face Stratford Academy of Macon in the Region 7 title game next week.
Hawkinsville falls to St. Anne-Pacellie for first time ever
The Vikings defeated the Red Devils for the first time in eight meetings and may have knocked the defending public school champions out of the state playoffs. Pacelli (6-3, 4-3 in Region 4) built a 14-3 halftime lead, on the strength of two touchdown runs by Trey Sudberry, on the way to a 17-10 win in Columbus. After finishing 13-1 last season and winning the title, Hawkinsville finished this season at .500 (5-5). The Red Devils went into their final game of the regular season sitting at No. 21 in the power ratings, and so the loss to the Vikings means they will miss the post season.
Region championship games next week …
Region 3: Emanuel County Institute (8-1) vs. Savannah Christian (8-1). ECI (8-1) has won four out of the past five meetings against the Raiders, including a 48-14 win the last time the teams played in 2009. Both teams tuned up with blowout wins. ECI blanked Montgomery County 48-0, while Savannah Christian downed Claxton 42-12. Both have won region and state titles recently. ECI, located in Twin City, won Region 3 and public school titles in 2012. Savannah Christian won Region 3 and private school titles in 2011.
Region 6: Mt. Paran Christian (9-0) vs. Pinecrest Academy (8-1). The teams met on Sept. 25, a 35-19 win for Mt. Paran of Kennesaw, the defending private school champions and winners of a Cobb County-record 23 consecutive games going back to last season. Pinecrest, located in Cumming, joined the Georgia High School Association in 2010 and advanced to the GHSA state playoffs for the first time last season.
Region 7: Aquinas (8-1) vs. Stratford Academy (7-2). Aquinas defeated the Eagles 35-28 when the teams met on Sept. 18. It was the last time Stratford, located in Macon, lost a game. Aquinas, located in Augusta, is 33-2 since 2013 – the year the Irish won the private school state title.
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