Friday featured a National tournament in Hoover, Alabama that had top teams in the country in action including several notable Georgia programs.
Carrolton’s star quarterback Juju Lewis came out blazing in the first game against Cherokee. He threw for three touchdowns connecting with Bryce Hicks on one of them. Last year, the pair connected for 10 receiving touchdowns. Hicks was the second leading Trojan receiver last season with 751 receiving yards. Star receiver and tight end Caleb Odom was also in attendance and caught a few touchdowns during the day. Odom will announce his commitment on Saturday regarding where he will spend the next 3-4 seasons. Carrollton finished 5-0 and won by an average margin of 15.6 during Day 1. The Trojans will play against Mary Montgomery in the first game on Saturday morning.
Another standout team in pool play was Benedictine. Luke Kromenhoek delivered for the Cadets and showed why he is a No.3 QB in the country. The 4 star quarterback was recently named a top three quarterback in the country. He proved his mettle leading Benedictine to a 5-0 record in pool one. Kromenhoek had several highlight reel throws including a red zone touchdown where he fit the ball in between multiple defenders. The Cadets put up 20+ points in every game played during the pool period and currently stand alone atop Pool A. Benedictine will start play tomorrow against Christian Academy (Kentucky).
One of the most memorable games of the day was between Walton and Gainesville both notable teams in 6A and 7A. Both teams traded touchdowns all game with the quarterbacks delivering throw after throw. The game came down to the end. It was four seconds left in the game in the red zone and Gainesville made a critical defensive stop to hand Walton their first loss of the day. South Carolina commit Wendell Gregory and Wake Forest commit Jeremy Hecklinski were impressive all day. Walton is 4-1 headed into tournament play tomorrow and will face Knoxville Catholic (Tennessee) in their first game. After starting 0-2, Gainesville got hot later in the day and won their last two games and tied against Southside (Alabama) in their final game. The Red Elephants will start play tomorrow against Evangel Christian (Louisiana).
Prince Avenue went1-4 in Hoover and failed to score more than 22 points in four of their five pool games. Despite the first day’sstruggles, the Georgia Tech commit made impressive throws and kept the Wolverines in many games in pool play. In three of the five games, Prince Avenue lost by eight points or fewer. Prince Avenue is a team to watch as they try and rebound from Day 1. The Wolverines will be without their three 1,000 yard receivers from last season and will look to new skill positions to come in and make an impact.
Tift County started off with a 3-0 record at the start of the day. The Blue Devils lost their final two games but sit No.4 in their pool standings heading into play tomorrow. In their first three games, the Blue Devils averaged 24 points a game as the offense was firing on all cylinders. Their final two games Tift County failed to score 16 points. Heading into the season, the Blue Devils have been impressive in summer play including at the Corky Kell 7 on 7 invitational in June. They will play Sardis (Alabama) during their first game tomorrow.
Cherokee started to click late in the day scoring 25+ points in their final two games. QB Tanner Savasir led the Warriors and was a key reason for the pick up in play and increase in offensive output. Savasir saw the field well and gota handle on what the defense was throwing at him. Despite being 1-4, if the Warriors open the day tomorrow the way they finished, they have a good chance to be competitive when the playoffs begin later in the day. Cherokee will begin play tomorrow against Father Ryan (Tennessee).
North Hall also from Gainesville was in attendance at Hoover. The Spartans finished 1-4 on the day but got better late in the day. North Hall scored 28.5 points in their final two games. Some of their top players returning this season including WR Ajay Jones who led them in receiving last year. Tate Ruth who was the leading tailback and finished with 794 yards and six touchdowns. Both had impressive days on Day 1. The Spartans begin play against Pulaski Academy (Arkansas) Saturday morning.
Day 2 play will begin at 7:30 with two final pool games before the playoffs start in the afternoon.
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