Roswell got off to another quick start and held off a late challenge from visiting Camden County in a 34-15 win Friday in the second round of the Class AAAAAA state playoffs.
Workhorse running back Sheldon Evans scored two touchdowns, and quarterback Quintarious Neely threw for a touchdown and rushed for another, as the undefeated Hornets advanced to the third round. They'll host Collins Hill next week, the day after Thanksgiving.
Neely completed his first 12 passes of the game, helping the Hornets jump out to an early 21-0 lead.
The Hornets went 80 yards in 10 plays on the opening possession of the game and took a 7-0 lead on Evans' 1-yard plunge. Neely completed all four of his passes on the drive, including a 16-yard strike to Myles Blouin on a 3rd and 8 that set up Evans' touchdown.
Roswell linebacker Mitch Stone recovered a muffed punt to set up Roswell's next score, a 6-yard touchdown pass from Neely to A.J. Smith.
Evans opened the second quarter with a 34-yard touchdown run, straight through the heart of Camden's defense that put the Hornets up 21-0. The junior star finished with 181 yards on 26 carries and seemed to get stronger late in the fourth quarter, when the Hornets (12-) needed a clinching drive.
Neely completed his first 12 passes and finished 23 of 31 for 216 yards, but it was his 10-yard touchdown run that put the game out of reach. On 3rd and 10, Neely sprinted to his left, looking to pass, before cutting back up the middle, spinning off a tackle and pushing through multiple Camden defenders for a touchdown that put the Hornets up 31-7 midway through the third quarter.
The Wildcats (10-2) mounted a late rally, with running back Harrison Poole scoring on a 12-yard run midway through the fourth quarter. A successful two-point conversion cut the deficit to 31-16. That's when Evans took over.
Evans carried the ball six times on Roswell's final drive, carrying Camden defenders for an 18-yard game that led to a Turner Barckholff field goal that put the Hornets in cruise control, up 19 with under three minutes to play.
Asked what Roswell needed to do to keep the run going, Evans said it was simple.
"Keep being physical, keep practicing hard," Evans said. "The same routine. Never stop."
CAMDEN COUNTY -- 0 7 0 8 -- 15
ROSWELL -- 14 10 7 3 -- 34
R -- Sheldon Evans 1 run (Turner Barckhoff kick)
R -- A.J. Smith 6 pass from Quintarious Neely (Barckhoff kick)
2nd
R -- Evans 34 run (Barckhoff kick)
R -- Barckhoff 33 field goal
CC -- Kevon Brewington 34 pass from Antonio Hamilton
3rd
R -- Neely 10 run (Burckhoff kick)
4th
C -- Harrison Poole 12 run (Pass to Terry Compton)
R -- Barckhoff 39 field goal
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