Gwinnett County is loaded with football tradition and two of its more recent powerhouses will meet Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in Norcross. Peachtree Ridge (6-2, 6-0) will travel to Norcross (6-2, 5-1) in a battle that could have Region 7-AAAAA title ramifications.
In just six seasons of playing football, Peachtree Ridge has a state title under its belt (2006), while the Blue Devils are 22-3 over the last two full seasons. Both schools have produced their share of major college prospects and this year is no different. Norcross has running back D.J. Adams (Maryland) and wide receiver/defensive back Prince Kent (Miami) The Lions counter with linebacker Kevin Minter (LSU) and cornerback Connor Norman, who has drawn interest from Georgia, Georgia Tech and Ole Miss.
Norcross quarterback Charles King (also a college prospect) and Peachtree Ridge sophomore signal-caller Nick Lombardo lead their respective offenses, but each unit will spend all game trying to score on a stout defense. The Blue Devils defense has shut out its last three opponents and has four shutouts on the season. Only top-five teams Camden County and North Gwinnett have scored more than 17 points on Norcross this year. The Lions defense has only allowed more than 16 points twice this year, which includes holding down a high-powered Lowndes offense in a 22-7 loss.
Peachtree Ridge is undefeated in Region 7 and Norcross’ only region loss is to North Gwinnett (7-1, 6-0). The Lions still have North Gwinnett left to play, so a win would set up a Region 7 “title game.”
Butler can be reached at jbutler@790thezone.com.
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