Mill Creek beat Norcross for the first time and wrapped up a playoff berth in a dominating 30-0 victory Friday on the Blue Devils’ field.
Daniel David and Johnathan Hawkins each scored two rushing touchdowns for Mill Creek, but the Hawks’ defense was the bigger story. Defensive back Gerard Butler had an interception and a recovered fumble, and linebacker Sidney Otiwu had a sack for a safety that put the Hawks up 23-0 late in the third quarter. Peyton Moore and Aaron Anderson also have interceptions for Mill Creek.
Norcross had negative-52 yards rushing, including sacks.
The Hawks (6-3, 5-1) have won four straight by a combined score of 199-21 and are headed to the playoffs for the fourth time in the program’s 11-year history. Mill Creek’s losses have come against No. 1 Colquitt County, No. 2 Dacula and No. 7 North Gwinnett. The Hawks will finish the regular season next week at No. 9 Peachtree Ridge with a slim chance at the Region 7-AAAAAA championship.
“When these high school kids get confident, it gets real fun, real fast,” Mill Creek coach Shannon Jarvis said. “We had the best week of practice we’ve ever had a Mill Creek, the energy, the momentum, the attention to details.”
While Mill Creek is peaking, Norcross (6-3, 4-2), the two-time defending state champion, is reeling. The Blue Devils have been outscored 58-2 in back-to-back losses and will head to Collins Hill next with its playoff hopes on the line. Norcross has missed the postseason only once in the last nine seasons.
The Hawks’ defense dominated the first half, forcing three turnovers and holding Norcross to minus-26 yards rushing. Four of Mill Creek’s drives began in Norcross territory. Aaron Anderson and Butler each picked off Norcross starter Jacob Gassert, and Tyler Voyles had two sacks in the first half.
Butler’s interception led to a 20-yard touchdown run by Hawkins for a 7-0 lead. Daniel scored on a 30-yard keeper on Mill Creek’s next drive to give the Hawks a 14-0 lead at halftime.
"Our defense has improved every week," Jarvis added. "This isn't a one-week deal."
Desperate for an offensive spark, Norcross used three quarterbacks. Gassert started, but was replaced by Griffin Barker in the second quarter and played the majority of the rest of the game. Sophomore Baron Radcliff also took a snap for the Blue Devils. None of them had much success against an impressive Mill Creek defense.
The Blue Devils had won the previous eight meetings against Mill Creek.
