Jefferson gets answers in opening rout

The No. 5 Jefferson Dragons may have answered quite a few questions with a 50-14 win n the season opener at highly regarded Class AA Rabun County.

A year ago the Dragons needed overtime to escape with a 26-20 win. No such stress arose this time as Jefferson scored on two of its first three possessions. Jefferson has won 18 in a row against Rabun County.

Jefferson had only three starters back from last year’s offense, but it didn’t seem to matter. Quarterback Evan Shirreffs and wide receiver Dalton Hill were a daunting duo. The pair hooked up for a 65-yard touchdown, as well as receptions of 41 and 34 yards to set up other scores. Hill also scored on a 5-yard run.

The Dragons may have found a replacement at running back. Sammy Williams, getting his first start since 2012, ran for touchdowns of 4 and 8 yards.

Here’s what else we learned on an abbreviated opening night:

Laney wins AAA debut: The Wildcats beat Dublin 22-13 in its first game in Class AAA. Quarterback Vicen'te Thompkins rushed for 123 yards on 18 carries. Thompkins also completed all four of his pass attempts for 112 yards. Two of the receptions belonged to speed-burner Danye Washington for 83 yards

Laney has now beaten Dublin for the last three years.

Beach answers challenge: Savannah had a new coach and new enthusiasm, but Beach had the running game and rolled to a 21-14 win over its city rival. Beach ran for 200 yards, with Leonard Brown gaining 106 and Alvin Jenkins gaining 81 for the Bulldogs. Brown scored on runs of 14 and 20 yards and Jenkins scored on a 16-yard run.

Savannah, playing its first game under coach Tony Welch, had issues at quarterback. There were nine fumbled snaps and two interceptions. The Blue Jackets scored on two big returns: a 90-yard kickoff return by KeVon Futch and an 80-yard fumble recovery and return by Eric Newton.

Beach has now won 16 of the last 17 meetings between the two old rivals.

Kendrick overpowers Stewart County: The Cherokees got a pair of touchdown runs from Tyrell Smith and beat Stewart County 35-6. Kendrick led 33-0 at halftime and played the final two quarters with a running clock. Kendrick limited Stewart to minus-35 yards of offense, three first downs and forced five turnovers.

Adairsville opens big: The Tigers opened with a 28-14 win over Class AAAA Ridgeland. Sidnee Johnson ran 15 times for 119 yards to lead Adairsville. Quarterback Marcus Childers ran eight times for 58 yards and one touchdown and completed 6 of 9 passes for 58 yards. Marquel Lane also returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown for Adairsville.