Irwin makes statement for the publicsNo. 4 (Private) Mount Paran and No. 2 (Public) Irwin County hooked up for a rare early-season, non-region game on Friday night. It was the first time the programs faced each other.
Chalk one up for the public schools as Irwin dominated the contest, 40-20, leading 40-0 at the half at home. Still, credit to both Irwin coach Buddy Nobles and Mt. Paran coach Mitch Jordan for scheduling such a tough non-region game this early in the season. Irwin will have a week off before starting region play against No. 1 Clinch County (2-0) on Sept. 14, while Mt. Paran will have a bye next week as well before coming back for a road game at Kings Ridge (0-2).
Stratford struggling out of the gateThe struggles this season for Stratford Academy continued Friday night with a 35-0 blowout loss to visiting George Walton Academy.
After finishing 10-2 last season with a trip to the second round of the state playoffs, and opening the season ranked No. 7 in the AJC Class A Private Top 10, the Eagles are now 0-2 and have been outscored 56-7 in the two games. Meanwhile, George Walton, which finished 7-4 last season, is now 2-0 after the road win. The Bulldogs got Darius Barnum and Andre Payne each scored a pair of rushing touchdowns while Will Wolf added one.
ELCA back on trackThe three-time private champs had their 37-game winning streak snapped last week with a 17-16 loss at Class AAA Pace Academy. But they got back on track Friday with a 56-0 win over Heritage-Conyers.
The Chargers (2-1) dominated from the outset and led 49-0 at the half. ELCA rolled up 240 yards rushing on 40 carries. Sophomore Josh Rogers had 95 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while senior quarterback Braden Rush had a big game – completing 10 of 15 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns, and scoring a rushing touchdown.
Pelham flexes its musclesPelham continued its strong start to the season with a 63-0 win over Baconton Charter. The Hornets moved to 3-0, 2-0 in Region 1 with the win, their third consecutive shutout to start the season. Pelham has not outscored its first three opponents, 161-0. Pelham will take a week off before hosting winless Terrell County on Sept. 14.
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