South Forsyth senior running back Sam Outlaw, fresh off spearheading a dominating 42-3 win over Johns Creek, stood on the field Friday night, his helmet tipped up on his forehead, and reflected back on what has been one of the best seasons the War Eagles have ever experienced and looked ahead to the next chapter.
"It's like a storybook ending, isn't it?" Outlaw said. "Senior year, playing Lambert for the region championship. You couldn't ask for anything else."
Outlaw ran for two touchdowns, and junior quarterback Davis Shanley threw for two, fueling the rout of overmatched Johns Creek and setting up a winner-take-all showdown with rival Lambert next week at South Forsyth.
"It's going to be a crazy atmosphere next week," War Eagles coach Jeff Arnette said. "It's a rivalry game, and our communities get involved. It's what high school is about next week."
The War Eagles (8-1, 7-1 Region 6-AAAAAA) have lost four of five meetings to Lambert, including last year's 40-7 blowout loss. But this appears to be a vastly improved South Forsyth squad, capable of doing damage on the ground, through the air and with a relentless pass rush, led by senior defensive end Cameron Kline.
The eight wins ties a school record for regular-season wins.
"There's a lot that goes into this team and why it's good," Arnette said.
Shanley, a junior, orchestrated South Forsyth's balanced offense perfectly. He completed 12 of 15 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half, before taking the majority of the second half off. He connected with Ronnie Chambliss on a 22-yard touchdown pass first quarter and then found a leaping Jalen Camp on a 9-yard touchdown late in the second quarter that put the War Eagles up 28-3 at halftime.
The War Eagles opened the second half with a nine-play, 47-yard drive--all runs-- capped by Seth Sasser's 9-yard touchdown run, which extended the lead to 35-3. Ennor Armah recovered a mishandled punt snap in the zone to finish the scoring for South Forsyth.
The loss spoiled Senior Night for Johns Creek (4-5, 4-4 Region 6-AAAAAA). While disappointed, first-year Gladiators coach Matt Kempner said he was proud of this senior class, which endured a winless season last year, but stayed in the playoff race this year until the final weeks.
"I know how tough it is for seniors with a new coach coming in," Kempner said. "You don't know what to expect, don't know what's going to happen. But I really feel like the majority of these kids bought in and played hard. There's a lot to be proud of."
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SOUTH FORSYTH -- 14 14 14 -- 42
JOHNS CREEK -- 3 0 0 0 -- 3
SF -- Sam Outlaw 1 run (Alex Barbir kick)
SF -- Ronnie Chambliss 22 pass from Davis Shanley (Barbir kick) 14-0 5:48
JC -- Jake Friant 42 field goal
2nd
SF -- Jalen Camp 12 pass from Shanley (Barbir kick) 21-3, 9:27
SF -- Outlaw 1 run (Barbir kick) 28-3, 1:20
3rd
SF -- Seth Sasser 9 run (Barbir kick) 35-3
SF -- Ennor Armah fumble recovery (Barbir kick)
