ELCA’s back
Reports of the demise of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy were greatly exaggerated. After losing their first six games of the season to teams with a combined record of 34-8, the Chargers (2-6, 2-0 in Region 5) put themselves in position to win a fifth consecutive region title after Friday’s 35-28 win over rival Landmark Christian (6-2, 1-1), previously ranked No. 7. Landmark jumped out to a 14-7 halftime lead. In the third quarter the teams combined to score 21 points in less than two minutes. The score was tied 21-21 after the barrage but ELCA pulled ahead in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Chargers received huge contributions from three transfers according to head coach Jonathan Gess. Senior ATH Jordan Scott , with occasional help from Antwaun Campbell, held Vanderbilt-bound receiver Sam Dobbs without a catch, junior quarterback DJ Hammond, passed for over 200 yards and ran for nearly 100, and sophomore running back Trevor Gear rushed for over 100 yards. All three have been attending class at the McDonough school since the beginning of the year. Hammond and Gear were just awarded their eligibility last week, while Scott has been on the field the entire season. “I’m just proud of the kids and the way they fought and persevered,” Gess said of his team after the win. “They didn’t listen to everybody telling them they weren’t any good. They knew we were playing some very good teams, and they believed in themselves and what [the coaching staff] was telling them.” ELCA will face a stiff challenge next week when they visit surging Our Lady of Mercy (6-2, 1-0).
Robertson’s debut successful
Junior all-state WR//DB Demetris Robertson had three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown in his season debut for Savannah Christian to help the Raiders (7-1, 4-1 in Region 3, Division A) down Portal (2-6, 0-5), 24-14. Robertson, committed to Alabama, transferred from Savannah Country Day over the summer but was forced to sit out while awaiting eligibility clearance from the Georgia High School Association, which he received on Wednesday.
Heyward, Calvary Day run over Claxton
Senior RB/LB Robert Heyward ran for 320 yards on 23 carries and scored five touchdowns to lift the Cavaliers (8-0, 4-0 in Region 3, Division A) to a 49-21 win over Claxton, on Homecoming and Senior Night in Savannah, according to the Savannah Morning News. Claxton, off to its best start since 2001 held a 21-14 lead in the second quarter after a 53-yard touchdown pass from Cornelius Taylor to Darvis Small. But Heyward, who opened the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, scored the next 21 points of the game on touchdown runs of 4, 50 and 3 yard, before taking on a 53-yarder with just over two minutes left in regulation. Heyward's yardage was part of the 524 the Cavaliers gained on the ground thanks to a dominating performance from offensive linemen Jacob Mock, Alex Herndon, Jonathan Coates, David Scroggins and Ryan Ellenwood. Claxton played at a disadvantage as the team's best offensive player, senior RB Zach Grant, who has rushed for over 1,100 yards this season, sat out most of the game after injuring his ankle early in the first quarter.
In other games:
Charlton County (7-1, 4-1 in Region 2) dealt Telfair County's (5-3, 2-3) playoff chances a bit of a blow with a 34-20 win over the Trojans, who were No. 13 in the public school power ratings.
George Walton Academy (5-3, 4-2 in Region 8) kept its slim private school playoff hopes alive with a 21-17 win over Hebron Christian Academy (4-4, 2-4), which now is most likely out of the post season picture.
Irwin County (6-1-1, 5-0 in Region 2) may be the best team no one talks about as the Indians rolled over Wilcox County (3-5, 2-3), 40-0, putting the Patriots' public school playoff chances in jeopardy. Irwin County's only loss this season was to the No. 2 team in Class AA, Fitzgerald.
Athens Christian (6-3, 6-1 in Region 8), which sat in the No. 15 slot in the private school power ratings this week, gave its playoff prospects a boost by smashing Lakeview Academy (3-5, 3-3), 40-0.
Marion County (8-0, 6-0 in Region 4) kept steamrolling toward its fourth region crown in five seasons with a 41-0 win at Greenville (4-4, 3-3).
Pacelli (6-2, 4-2 in Region 4) now has a two-game winning streak against its Columbus rival, Brookstone (4-4, 2-4), after defeating the Cougars 41-20. Pacelli entered the game at No. 8 in the private school power ratings, while Brookstone was No. 13.
Pinecrest (6-2, 5-2 in Region 6, Division B) held off Fellowship Christian (3-5, 2-3), 14-7, to bolster its post season chances. The Paladins were at No. 7 in the private school power ratings prior to the win. Though Fellowship has defeated Mt. Pisgah, the sub region leaders, its playoff chances are most likely done.
So much for a hangover. Hawkinsville (8-1, 6-1 in Region 4) shook off last week's tough loss to Marion County and throttled Schley County (4-4, 3-4), 28-2.
St. Francis (6-2, 4-2 in Region 6, Division B), No. 16 in the private school power ratings, kept its playoff hopes alive with a 14-7 win at Whitefield Academy (4-4, 3-4). The loss most likely eliminates the Wolfpack from the playoffs.
First Presbyterian Day (5-3, 3-3 in Region 7, Division A), sitting at No. 12 in the private school power ratings, improved its playoff stock with a 32-41 win over Wilkinson County (4-4, 3-2).
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