HS state championships: Saturday's games

Atlanta Falcons

HS state championships: Saturday's games

Four high school state championship games were played at the Georgia Dome Saturday. The fourth and final game of the day featured metro Atlanta powers Norcross and Lovejoy battling for the Class AAAAAA title.

Norcross coach Keith Maloof and the Blue Devils entered the game with a perfect 14-0 record.

Norcross RB Alvin Kamara tries to turn the corner against Lovejoy defensive end Veion Robinson.

Lovejoy coach Al Hughes and the Wildcats entered the game with a 13-1 record.

Lovejoy RB Travis Custis (22) gets pushed out of bounds by Norcross cornerback Shon Akins after a long run.

The lone score of the first half came on this Jumichael Romas touchdown catch from Alejandro Bennifield. Lovejoy led 7-0 at intermission.

Norcross' Kamara scored two touchdowns in the final 4:26 of the game as the Blue Devils erased a 14-3 deficit en route to the victory.

The first of the two touchdowns was a 61-yard scoring reception from QB Joseph Wilber on a third-and-14 play. The Norcross sideline erupts as Kamara outraces Lovejoy's Veion Robinson to the end zone.

Norcross players run onto the field as time expires to begin the celebration of their state championship.

Offensive lineman Caleb Crum lets out a loud scream as he revels in the victory.

The celebration continues as some of the Blue Devil players walk toward fans in the stands.

As time expired, Norcross coach Keith Maloof (with kicker Joseph Mahfood in the background) is all smiles as he heads toward midfield.

Maloof stands on a bench and celebrates with Norcross fans.

Saturday's third game featured Sandy Creek vs. Ridgeland for the Class AAAA title.

Sandy Creek wide receiver Kyle Wilson (16) catches a long pass down the sideline as Ridgeland defensive back Sharone Porter (2) defends to set up Sandy Creek's first touchdown in the first half.

Sandy Creek running back Delvin Weems (27) heads toward the end zone on a first-half run.

Safety Vonn Bell (No. 7 in black) on turning down Alabama and Tennessee: "I just woke up out of my dreams. Me and God just had a conversation. He said ‘I want you go to Ohio State.’ Then, I just knew ever since then .."

Sandy Creek's Demarre Kitt (8) catches a long pass in front of Ridgeland defensive back Sharone Porter.

Sandy Creek QB Cole Garvin celebrates after the team's victory.

Sandy Creek's Josh Branom (left) and Issac Saxon celebrate the program's third state title in last four years.

Corey Griffin (left), Issac Saxon (79) and Alan Knott hold up the Class AAAA state trophy for Sandy Creek.

Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis shares a moment with Vonn Bell (left) and Darrell Bridges.

The second game featured Calhoun vs. Jefferson for the Class AA championship. On this play, Jefferson QB Bryant Shirreffs leaps over Calhoun defender Hunter Padgett for a touchdown and a 14-7 Jefferson lead.

On this play, Shirreffs eludes the tackle attempt of Calhoun's Tristan Fuller.

Calhoun receiver Tydus Curtis looks up field after eluding the tackle of Jefferson defensive back Trent Sorrells.

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Four high school state championship games were played at the Georgia Dome Saturday. The fourth and final game of the day featured metro Atlanta powers Norcross and Lovejoy battling for the Class AAAAAA title.

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