North Gwinnett rips off 33 unanswered to beat Norcross

SUWANEE -- Maybe North Gwinnett should have moved this game to earlier in the season two years ago.

After losing to Norcross on the last day of the regular season in each of the last two seasons -- with the Region 7-AAAAA title on the line each time -- the Bulldogs finally got some revenge on Friday, knocking off Norcross 33-19.

Playing much earlier in the season than in the last few years, North Gwinnett looked to be on the same route as the past couple of seasons on Friday, falling behind 9-0 after the first quarter.

But the Bulldogs (3-1, 2-0 Region 7-AAAAA) responded, pulling ahead in the third quarter and putting the game out of reach in the fourth.

Bulldogs running back Tyler Jarry scored two touchdowns -- one rushing and one receiving -- and finished with 114 yards on 16 carries and had four catches for 67 yards to help lead the North Gwinnett offense. Quarterback Michael Tamburo also had nine completions for 142 yards and a score.

The Blue Devils' offense was led by running back D.J. Adams, who rumbled for 173 yards on 26 carries and two TDs. His 18-yard score in the second quarter gave Norcross a 19-0 advantage.

Then the Bulldogs woke up. Starting with a 30-yard field goal from Jeff Hatley in the second quarter, North Gwinnett ripped off 33 unanswered points, including a safety for the Bulldogs defense.

Linebacker Chandler Cross led North Gwinnett's defense, racking up eight solo tackles, two sacks, a caused fumble and picking off a pass.

North Gwinnett travels to take on Mill Creek next Friday in Hoschton.

-- Tracey Jenkins contributed to this report