Hawks push state runner-ups to the brink but fall 40-24

The football team led 2007 state runner-up North Gwinnett at halftime 21-14, but couldn’t hold on as the Hawks lost 40-24 on Sept. 26. Quarterback Ed Russ had 102 yards rushing and 117 passing with two touchdowns. Ramael Wilson had the Hawks’ other touchdown. The Hawks were off this past week, but get back in action this Friday against Peachtree Ridge. … The softball team defeated North Gwinnett 6-4 on Sept. 24 to win the regular season Region 7-AAAAA title. Morgan Bullock allowed one earned run and had two hits at the plate. The girls defeated North Forsyth 7-1 on Sept. 25. Lauren Kaczynkski threw a complete-game and gave up no earned runs. … The volleyball team went undefeated on Sept. 25 in the Gwinnett County Tournament, defeating Berkmar, GAC and Shiloh. On Sept. 27, they were defeated by Norcross in the semifinals (25-16, 25-19). … The boys cross country team finished third out of 16 teams at the Cavalier Classic on Sept. 27. Austin Boetje led with a time of 17:03. The boys finished second in the Alexander Invitational last Saturday while the girls finished third.