In a rematch of last year’s Class AAAAAA semifinals between Etowah and Archer, this season’s game was just as uneventful.
Archer jumped to a big first-half lead and coasted to a 40-17 victory on Friday night at Archer Community Stadium.
The Tigers (10-1), a No. 2 seed out of Region 8, advance to play next week at McEachern, a No. 1 seed from Region 4. McEachen hosted and beat Lowndes on Friday.
Etowah, a No. 3 seed from Region 5, ends its season at 8-3. Archer ended the Eagles’ season last year with a 52-7 victory.
Archer jumped to a 40-0 lead by halftime and took its starters out midway through the third quarter. The fourth quarter featured a running clock.
“We played outstanding,” Tigers coach Andy Dyer said. I’m very proud of every single one of them.”
Highlights for the Tigers included a 61-yard punt return score by Jameyst Williams, a safety by Donta Evans and Sam Wright, and three touchdown passes for Will Bearden, who finished 17 of 20 passing for 283 yards.
A big reason Archer kept the Eagles scoreless through the first half was a pair of blocked field goals on back to back plays at the end of the first quarter.
The Tigers blocked an initial Cameron Allen field goal from 44 yards out, but were called for a 15-yard illegal participation penalty. On fourth and short, Archer then blocked a 29-yarder.
“All we were concerned about was tonight,” Dyer said. “I told the guys we’ve got to take care of tonight and hopefully Round 2 would be waiting on us. The kids did an awesome job of executing in the first half and we were able to get out to a good lead and get out of here with a W.”
Tigers receiver Dylan Singleton finished with four catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns and Jeremiah Nails caught six passes for 112 yards.
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Etowah 0 0 3 14 – 17
Archer 10 30 0 0 – 40
A – Matthew Fritts 22 FG
A – Jameyst Williams 61 punt return (Fritts kick)
A – Aramis Bryant 36 pass from Will Bearden (Fritts kick)
A – Team safety
A – Dylan Singleton 19 pass from Bearden (Fritts kick)
A – Williams 3 run (Fritts kick)
A – Singleton 20 pass from Bearden (Fritts kick)
E – Cameron Allen 19 FG
E – Vincent Riley 4 pass from Patrick Ferris (Allen kick)
E – Trey Moore 2 run (Allen kick)
Credit: Craig Sager
Credit: Craig Sager
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