Here’s a quick rundown of Friday’s results along with a look ahead to next week:
Athens Academy and PAC roll toward a showdown
Athens Academy and Prince Avenue Christian made short work of their opponents in preparation for their showdown in Bogart next week. Prince Avenue (6-0, 4-0 in Region 8) jumped out to a 28-0 lead at Commerce (3-3, 2-2), on the strength of two touchdown runs by senior RB/DB Kevon Hudson, and went on to down the Tigers 35-14. Meanwhile, Athens Academy (5-0, 3-0) got two touchdowns from Payton Bowles and two touchdown passes from Drew Richardson en route to a 36-7 win over Towns County (1-5, 1-3).
Charlton County bounces back in a big way
After suffering one of the worst losses in its long and storied history last week, Charlton County (4-1, 2-1 in Region 2) rebounded with an impressive 28-14 win, at home in Folkston, over Irwin County (3-2-1, 2-1), last season’s public school runner up, previously ranked No. 4 in the AJC Top 10. Last week, Turner County – which improved to 6-0 Friday – shellacked Charlton 44-0 in Ashburn.
Marion County deflates St. Anne-Pacelli
After losing to Class AAAAA Columbus (21-13) two weeks ago, 2013 public school champion Marion County has won its last two games by a total score of 80-7. The Eagles (4-1, 3-0 in Region 4) smacked St. Anne-Pacelli (4-2, 2-2), 34-7, a week after shutting out Schley County, 46-0. Marion County rolled up 372 total yards in the win, according to the Columbus Enquirer. After starting out 3-0, Pacelli has now lost two of its last three.
Don’t forget about the champs … Hawkinsville
Defending public school champion Hawkinsville (4-2, 3-1 in Region 4) has now won two in a row after blanking Greenville (3-2, 2-2) 21-0. The Red Devils lost their season opener to Class AA Bleckley County (13-0) and began the season 2-2.
Trion makes its case
Trion often is left out of the conversation when speaking of the public school favorites. But the Bulldogs are now 5-1, 1-0 in Region 6-Division A after dismantling Christian Heritage 39-7 (3-3, 0-1). Trion was paced by quarterback Jarret Gill’s three touchdown passes while the Bulldog defense held Christian Heritage just 36 yards rushing and 91 passing, according to the Dalton Daily Citizen.
Next week …
Calvary Day at Savannah Christian. These two Savannah private school heavy weights have been slugging it out most every year since 1979, most of the time with a region title on the line. This year's winner will more than likely win the Region 3-Division A championship. Calvary Day (5-0, 1-0) tuned up with a 48-6 win over Jenkins County, while Savannah Christian (4-1, 1-0) took last week off. Both squads are led by dynamic playmakers – junior quarterback Sal Calderon for Calvary Day and senior receiver/defensive back Demetris Robertson for Savannah Christian, which leads the all time series 21-13. However, the Cavaliers have won the last two meetings, including last year, 7-3.
Athens Academy at Prince Avenue Christian. This matchup features two of the six unbeaten teams in Class A. The winner will be the heavy favorite to go on and take the Region 8 title. Prince Avenue (6-0, 4-0), last year's region champ and winners of three of the last four, had the more impressive win last week. The Wolverines downed Commerce (3-3, 2-2) 35-14, while Athens Academy (5-0, 3-0) drilled struggling Towns County (1-5, 1-3) 36-7. The teams have met every year since 2006, twice in 2012, and the all-time series is tied 5-5. But Prince Avenue has won three in a row and five of the last six contests, including last season, 29-7.
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