North Gwinnett defeats California team

The game broadcast on ESPNU put the national spotlight on North Gwinnett, considered one of Georgia’s best programs that has yet to win a state championship. The Bulldogs have won at least 10 games the past four seasons, losing to Lowndes County in the 2007 Class AAAAA championship game.

“It’s fun to debate Georgia vs. California, Georgia vs. Florida, or whatever,” North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire said before the game. “Being on ESPNU is a good thing. It is the result of a lot of hard work from our players over the past few years.

“However, our kids know that when we play Collins Hill in two weeks in our region opener, that’s when things are going to really matter. The [national attention] is nice, but our goal is to win the region, continue to win every week in the playoffs, and play as late in December as they play high school football, and win that last game.”

Thomas put on an early show with his speed and power Friday. On Crenshaw’s opening possession of the game, the Cougars had third and long and pitched the ball to Thomas, who appeared on the way to being tackled in the backfield for a loss. However, he bounced outside and ran 58 yards for the touchdown.

Later in the first quarter with Crenshaw trailing 7-6, Thomas lined up at wide receiver, caught a short pass, and scored on 27-yard touchdown play. Just when Thomas seemed unstoppable, he turned the ball over on a fumble as Crenshaw threatened again to score in the first half.

It was the season opener for Crenshaw, while North Gwinnett had played two previous games, both victories over Lassiter and Bob Jones of Huntsville, Ala.

Crenshaw is in the downtown Los Angeles area, with famous graduates including former baseball standout Darryl Strawberry and music artist and actor Ice-T. Last year, Crenshaw was the first L.A. City section team to earn a spot in one of California’s state bowl games.