Lions’ ground game just too much for the Hoyas

Bruce Cobleigh Stadium - Kennesaw, GA

Mitchell and Lions defense was wreaked havoc on the Hoya offense.

There were quite a few things that made the matchup between the Lions of Peachtree Ridge and the Harrison Hoyas a must see.  Could the Hoyas overcome a bevy of losses on the offensive side of the ball and avenge a playoff loss at the hands of the Lions?  Would Peachtree Ridge make a statement win to open the season and make a legitimate run at a class 5AAAAA championship or would they slip up and take an early loss?  With those questions in the mind, the answers may prove to be telling as to what would be to come for each teams’ respective season.

Both teams started a bit rusty but the Hoyas hit paydirt first on a run by Brendan Mlincsek, which was set up by a 47-yard strike from Austin Cain to tight end Ryan Sparlin.  Unfortunately for the Hoyas, their highlights going forward would be too few and too far between.

The Lions answered when a fumble at the goal line by running back Chris Sawdey was recovered in the endzone by guard Austin Louchart to even things up at 7-7.  Sawdey would certainly make for the cough up on the Lions next possession.  After using almost 10 minutes on their next drive to open up the second quarter, Sawdey punched it in from one yard out to put the Peachtree Ridge up 14-7 with 5:38 left in the half.

RB Brandon Stanley breaks open to daylight around the edge.

The Hoyas were unable to gain any traction and on their next couple of possessions, crucial turnovers and penalties would prevent Harrison from closing the gap before the half.  Cain was picked off by Brad Roby, which set up another score by Sawdey, this time from nine yards out.  Then an 87-yard scamper by running back Christian Turnipseed would be negated by a Hoya holding call.  Running back David Dupaty followed up that play with a 44-yard only to fumble on the next possession to give the ball right back to the Lions.  Dupaty picked off Nick Lombardo on the Lions next drive but were unable to capitalize before the half.

The Hoyas came out in the third quarter looking to leave their mistakes in the first half and creating some havoc of their own.  That momentum soon fizzled as the Hoyas were only able to get six points in the third quarter off of two field goals by Darren Parkinson.  A quick three and out and a fumble recovery by the Harrison defense helped bring the Hoyas within eight with the score at 21-13 going into the fourth quarter.

Peachtree Ridge put their proverbial foot down to open the fourth quarter with the third score of the night by Sawdey.  And on the ensuing kickoff, a fumble by the Hoyas set up a 29-yard toss from Lombardo to Roby to end the scoring for the night at 35-13.

Final Score:  Peachtree Ridge 35 – Harrison 17

Quick Hits:  Lions’ DE Eric Mitchell and LB AJ McDonald stuffed the Hoya running game and pressured Cain all night…Roby made key plays on offense, defense, and special teams as a return man for the Lions…Turnipseed and Dupaty were the lone bright spots for the Hoyas…the Hoya defensive front was simply overmatched by the Lions’ offensive line...RB's Brandon Stanley and Steve Atwater enjoyed success in the Lions' rushing attack.

4SHOT Players of the Game:

Peachtree Ridge – RB Chris Sawdey

Harrison – RB/S Christian Turnipseed