Mecole Hardman showed why a lot of people consider him one of the top prospects in the state on Friday. The Elbert County standout, limited to five games a year ago because of knee issues, looked healthy and strong in Friday’s opener.
Hardman ran for a touchdown and threw for a pair of scores to Joseph Johnson to help the No. 4 Blue Devils rout Cedar Shoals 40-14. He also ran for a pair of two-point conversions.
Hardman was at the controls for an Elbert County offense that rushed for 316 yards and threw for 133. Tra Barnett returned a kick for a touchdown and La’kel Hood ran for a pair of scores.
The Devils make their home opener this week at the Granite Bowl against rival Stephens County.
No. 1 Calhoun prevails: The top-ranked Yellow Jackets relied heavily on their defense in a 28-7 win over a Dalton, their seventh straight win over the Catamounts. Calhoun allowed only 93 total yards. The offense was led by Olico Dennis, who rushed for 160 yards and one, and quarterback Kaelen Riley, who ran for 56 yards and two touchdowns.
Too much Dupuis for No. 2 B.T.: Garrett Dupuis ran for 130 yards and helped No. 2-ranked Blessed Trinity knock off Catholic school rival St. Pius 17-6. The Titans played most of the game without top recruit Milton Shelton, who pulled a quad muscle in the first half.
Woley, Malcome lift No. 2 Westminster: The Battle of Buckhead was claimed by Westminster, which beat Lovett 26-23. The Wildcats scored 26 straight points after spotting Lovett the first score, then hung on. Quarterback Rankin Woley completed 5 of 7 passes for 40 yards and rushed 16 times for 118. Zay Malcome ran for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Blake GIllikin kicked two field goal for the Wildcats, connecting from 42 and 37 yards.
Wood sparks No. 5 Jefferson: Colby Wood topped the 200-yard rushing mark for the second straight week and helped the Dragons to a 32-17 win over Winder-Barrow. Wood rushed for 239 yards and five touchdowns, recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass and had a tackle for loss. He's already rushed for 503 yards in two games.
No. 7 Peach County falls: The Trojans lost to rival Warner Robins 44-34, despite taking an early 21-0 lead. Peach County quarterback Tyrique McGhee ran for a 51-yard touchdown and threw for two scores to James Jackson. Warner Robins scored five unanswered touchdowns starting the second quarter.
No. 8 Washington County loses: The last time Washington County allowed 40 points it came against Thomson in 2011. The last time Washington County allowed 49 points came against Thomson in 1998.This time Waco was on the losing end of a 49-42 decision -- to Thomson.
The Golden Hawks had some positive signs. Houston Channell ran for four touchdowns and they returned two fumbles for touchdowns.
Bennett directs No. 10 Pierce to win: Quarterback Stetson Bennett threw for 200 yards and led the Bears on the winning drive with two minutes left in a 40-35 victory over Southeast Bulloch. Bennett completed 25 passes, two of them for touchdowns, and ran for the winning score.
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