Archived News

Stephenson’s Demarcus Sweat can’t catch up to a pass as a Lowndes defender trails behind. Photo by Travis Hudgons

FOOTBALL: State playoffs, first round

AAAAA

M.L. King 30, Coffee 22: Blake Tibbs returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, his second in as many weeks, and Jonquel Dawson passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns for the Lions (9-2). The Lions trailed 7-0 before Tibbs’ return sparked a run of 30 unanswered points. Joshua Stanford caught two touchdown passes and Cornell Boyd caught a 59-yard touchdown pass. Dawson has 35 touchdown passes this season and 89 for his career, ranking him second all-time in Georgia, behind Jeremy Privett of Charlton County and Cedric Johnson of Americus, both of whom had 92. Kendarius Whitehead had nine tackles while Carlos Garrett had eight tackles, including four sacks. Also, Jaynor Jones had seven tackles while Toronto Thomas, Jacarthy Mack and Alan Carson each had six tackles. The Lions face defending state champion Brookwood (8-3) on Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Hallford Stadium. 

Lowndes 7, Stephenson 0: The Jaguars (11-1) were shut out for the first time since losing to Lowndes 14-0 in the Class AAAAA semifinals in 2005. Stephenson has lost in the first round in four of the past five seasons.

AAAA 

Tucker 44, Sprayberry 14: Yusuf Minor ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns on five carries as the Tigers (11-0) rolled up 481 yards rushing. Minor, who has rushed for 719 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, scored on runs of 80 and 79 yards. Juwaan Williams and Dallas Rivers each ran for two scores as the Tigers have amassed 52 rushing touchdowns this season. The game was tied 7-7 early in the second quarter before the Tigers reeled off 37 unanswered points to put the game out of reach. The No. 1-ranked Tigers face Griffin (9-2) on Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Adams Stadium.

Kell 30, Marist 7: The War Eagles (9-2) fell behind 23-0 before Myles Willis scored on a 65-yard run. Willis led the way with 80 yards rushing for Marist, which was outgained in total yardage 341-178. The loss broke a 28-game home winning streak for the War Eagles. 

East Paulding 10, Southwest DeKalb 6: The Panthers (8-3) led 6-0 after a touchdown catch by William Goodwin in the first quarter. The Panthers’ extra point attempt was blocked. The Raiders led 7-6 at halftime, then blocked a field goal attempt by the Panthers in the second half before icing the game with a field goal of their own. 

AAA

St. Pius 48, Shaw 14: Trey White rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown as the Golden Lions had 460 yards on the ground, the second-highest team total in school history. Ryan Braswell ran for 80 yards and two scores. Coach Paul Standard gave credit to his offensive line—tight end Jamison Porter, tackles James Mills, Jackson Smith and Walker McKenzie, guards David Marsau and Rocco Thomas and center Ryan Holmes. The Golden Lions had 24 first downs and held possession for 36:11 to 11:49 to Shaw. Michael Healy and Logan Rosborough each had seven tackles to lead the defense. The Golden Lions host Henry County on Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m., in the second round. 

 Carrollton 28, Columbia 0: The Eagles (6-5) were held to 13 rushing yards and 161 yards total offense. It was the first playoff appearance since 2005 for the Eagles, who have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1996-97. 

Troup 28, Cedar Grove 20: Despite the loss the Saints (7-4) enjoyed making the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1993-94.