It was not a good day for the upper echelon of Class AAA on Friday; half of the ranked teams lost.
But it was business as usual for both programs at the top of the class. Top-ranked Calhoun defeated Therrell 52-6, and Cedar Grove moved past Columbia 45-0. Both programs played to form.
-- Calhoun took a 38-6 lead after the first quarter behind three touchdowns from Zach Fuller (24, 8 and 5 yards). Jerrian Hanes (3 yards) and Julian Ipac (14 yards) each scored on touchdown runs. Bralin Barton had a 45-yard punt return for a touchdown. And as if there was any surprise, Gavin Gray passed to Luke Moseley, again, for a touchdown of 15 yards.
-- Cedar Grove's shutout of Columbia marked the Saints' 12th since 2016. Cedar Grove, who had spent the first two weeks of the year playing out-of-state teams, held Columbia to less than 100 yards and took a 28-0 lead after the first quarter and a 42-0 lead at the half. Cedar Grove scored on each of its first six possessions.
-- Lovett has been searching for answers since losing its first two games of the year – GAC in the opener (24-21) and Marist last week (40-20). The Lions got things back on track with a 43-0 blanking of B.E.S.T. at home. Blaine McAllister passed for two touchdowns (K.J. Wallace and Lance Beck) and rushed for two more to lead the Lions. Wallace added a rushing touchdown.
-- Jefferson righted the ship after falling to Oconee County 20-13 in the first week of the season. The Dragons defeated West Hall 48-6 after taking a 35-6 lead at the half.
But the wheels came off for some of the top programs.
-- Peach County was completely dominated by Lee County, the top-ranked team from Class AAAAAA. The Trojans lost 33-0 but might have learned a few things on the trip to Leesburg. Peach, which last week defeated the No. 4 team in AAAAAA (Northside-Warner Robins), probably won't spend too much time fretting over what could have been. The Trojans, listed as playing to toughest schedule in the classification by the Maxwell Rankings, play AAAAA Houston County next week.
-- Westminster's 35-9 loss to St. Pius marked the fourth consecutive loss to the Golden Lions. Pius held Westminster to just a Charlie Ham field goal in the opening half and controlled the game. Pius took advantage in the second quarter on a Connor Egan touchdown. Egan's 35-yard pass to Chris Miller increased the lead. Westminster's only touchdown came on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
-- Pace's loss to Monroe Area dampened the Knights' mood following its victory against ELCA last week. The victory snapped ELCA's 37-game winning streak. Monroe Area, who has been just outside the top-10 rankings, will move up this week. Monroe faces Walnut Grove on Friday. Pace travels to Charlotte Christian (N.C.) on Friday.
-- Liberty County's loss to Statesboro (23-6) partially could be blamed on quarterback Dionte Bowens' knee injury. Kris Coleman, who had a huge night last week (five rushing touchdowns), scored the Panthers' only touchdown on a 55-yard run.
How the top 10 fared:
1. Calhoun (3-0) defeated Therrell, 52-6
2. Cedar Grove (3-0) defeated Columbia, 45-0
3. Peach County (1-1) lost at Class AAAAAA No. 1 Lee County 33-0.
4. Westminster (2-1) lost to Class AAAA St. Pius X 35-9.
5. Benedictine (1-0): Rested before traveling to Class AAAA No. 1 Blessed Trinity on Friday.
6. Pace Academy (2-1) lost on the road at Monroe Area (2-0) 36-15.
7. (3) Greater Atlanta Christian (1-1) rested before traveling to Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas, on Friday.
8. Lovett (1-2) defeated Class AA B.E.S.T. 43-0 at home.
9. Liberty County (1-1) lost at Class AAAAA Statesboro 23-6.
10. Jefferson (0-1) defeated Class AAAA West Hall 48-6.
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