Buford’s Sherman Page leaps for a catch for a huge gain in Friday nights win at Jefferson. / photo: Josh Martindale
While the first half belonged to defense on Friday night, several area teams pulled away for second round playoff wins with clutch offensive play.
Gainesville overcame a 3-0 first-quarter deficit to post an impressive 41-10 final over Dunwoody at City Park. The top-ranked Red Elephants (12-0) scored 41 straight points after being shut out in the first 12 minutes.
Gainesville got touchdown runs from Teryan Rucker and Tyson Smith to kick start the scoring and will play host to Cairo in the Class AAA quarterfinals next week.
Meanwhile, Flowery Branch won again on the road, getting out front early and fending off Grady, 35-21. The Falcons rolled up 399 yards of offense in the victory. Flowery Branch will head back on the road next week, traveling to Columbus to face Carver.
North Hall couldn't find its way past St. Pius X in Atlanta, falling 17-3. The Golden Lions wouldn't let the Trojans have the ball in the contest, as North Hall managed just five offensive possessions against St. Pius' ball-control offense.
In Jefferson, Buford kept its nose in front of its old rivals, holding off the Dragons 30-22. The Wolves (11-1) recovered a fumble inside their own territory in the fourth quarter to ensure the victory over Jefferson (11-1).
Buford will play host to Cook in the Class AA quarterfinals.
In Class AAAAA, North Gwinnett blanked Woodstock 24-0, getting a 92-yard fumble return for a score in the first quarter and never looking back. The Bulldogs will take on Camden County at home in the quarterfinals after winning a coin flip between the two No. 1 seeds on Saturday morning.
And in Class AAAA, Apalachee continued its penchant for wild finshes, edging Marist 36-35 in overtime. The Wildcats will take on Griffin in the quarterfinals next Friday in Bethlehem after winning a coin flip on Saturday morning.
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Posted: Saturday, November 21st 2009 at 3:36am
