The first weekend of high school football kicked off Friday night, and dozens of schools in the state earned their first win of the season. In metro Atlanta, Campbell, South Atlanta, Jackson-Atlanta, Lovett, Holy Innocents’ and Mt. Pisgah were victorious and we have their game recaps below. Also, 2011 state finalist Landmark Christian had their opener spoiled by visiting Calvary Day, which came back from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the stunned War Eagles.
Class AAAAAA
Campbell 35, Morrow 6: The visiting Spartans dominated all aspects of the game. Ricky James quarterbacked the offense with two touchdown passes to Armand Gazda. Running backs Michael Rogers and Darius Harris each scored on the ground and Prince Butler nabbed two interceptions. With the win, the Spartans equaled last year’s win total.
Class AAAA
South Atlanta 34, Lithonia 19: The visiting Hornets outscored Lithonia 27-12 in the second half to cement the season-opening victory. Deandre Jackson rushed for 160 yards on 13 carries and added two touchdowns. Quarterback Jemario Washington threw for 108 yards including two touchdowns to wide receiver Chris Williams. Chris Gardner had three sacks.
Class AAA
Jackson-Atlanta 31, Towers 4: The visiting Jaguars were led by Roderick Collier’s two interceptions and 28-yard touchdown reception. Collier returned one of the picks for a 90-yard touchdown. Quarterback Shadricus Ferguson threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns for Jackson-Atlanta. Jamario Neal had four catches for 115 yards and a 21-yard scoring grab. Towers scored on two fourth-quarter safeties to avoid a shutout.
Class AA
Lovett 7, Woodward Academy 3: In the first meeting between the schools since 2009, the visiting Lions scored on a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Grant Haley in the second quarter for the clinching score. Alex Robinson’s 31-yard field goal was all the scoring the War Eagles could muster against a stout Lovett defense, which was led by inside linebacker John Coletti. The senior had 12 tackles and two sacks. A final Woodward drive was ended when Coletti broke up a fourth-down pass by quarterback Terry Googer that was intended for Benji Russell. With the win, Lovett earned a 9-8 lead in the all-time series.
Class A
Calvary Day 28, Landmark Christian 21: The host War Eagles streaked to a 14-0 lead after their first two possessions, then extended their advantage to 21-0 at the half. But the Cavaliers roared back in the second half, scoring 28 straight points. Andre Wilson caused, then recovered a fumble in the fourth to set up Calvary Day’s go-ahead scoring drive. Jake Clemens passed for one score and ran for two more for the Cavaliers.
Holy Innocents’ 20, Lakeside-DeKalb 14: The visiting Golden Bears scored the final 13 points in the season-opener for both teams. Owen Penn rushed for 65 yards and added a lone touchdown. Holy Innocents’ quarterback Luke Wright scored on both a rushing and passing touchdown. The Golden Bears’ defense put the nail in the coffin when they stopped the Panthers on a fourth down in the waning seconds.
Mt. Pisgah Christian 55, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian 13: The host Patriots cruised to an early 41-7 lead over the Mustangs. The Patriots’ offense was effective on the ground and in the passing game as sophomore quarterback Aaron Winchester contributed a rushing touchdown before connecting on two passing scores. A solid defensive effort kept the Mustangs in check all night.
Prince Avenue Christian 48 St. Francis 20: The visiting Wolverines made a statement in their opener against the Knights. Senior running back Carl Mattox had 10 rushes for 142 yards and two rushing touchdowns, including one for 54 yards. Quarterback Zack Graham was 4-for-6 through the air for 55 yard and two scores. Wide receiver Christian Payne had two catches, both for touchdowns. The St. Francis offense totaled less than 100 yards.
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