CMYK Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sports
B
Panthers pounce on Oconee Co. 56-27 BY LATRICE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@clickthepaper.com
With just two more games left in the regular season, it’s hard not to think about getting into the playoffs. For the Jackson County Comprehensive High School football team, winning out is would be very helpful and they started
with a 56-27 win over Oconee County High School last Friday night. The Panthers opened its scoring drive with a 35-yard touchdown pass, courtesy of Jacob Lewis to Layson Giles. Then, Lewis connected with Xavier Harper for another catch-and-go to hit pay dirt. Oconee County cut into that
14-0 lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by Ikwaan Jones. But less than three minutes later, the Panthers went back up by 14 when Giles caught his second touchdown pass of the night worth 17 yards. In the second quarter, Lewis hit Adrian Parsons for a 7-yard touchdown catch. Once Jackson County settled
into its passing attack, the Panthers implemented the running game with a 2-yard score by Malik Tuck with a minute left until halftime. Nothing could slow JCCHS out of the break. The Panthers scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, both by Harper, including an electrifying 45yard bomb thrown by Lewis.
The Warriors also put up two touchdowns in the third but Jackson County kept much of the momentum on its side and had an answer for every score by Oconee County. A 15-yard touchdown reception in the fourth by Harper gave the Panthers even more of a cushion, extending the lead by 29.
JCCHS will take on Elbert Co. tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.
KING OF THE KICKING UNIT
Mill Creek’s Bryson King lives for the fourth quarter rally on the gridiron BY LATRICE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@clickthepaper.com
Imagine the fate of the season resting in your hands, or even worse, on your foot. While some would fold under pressure, kicker Bryson King lives for those kind of moments. In the first round of the state playoffs last year, King sealed the game win-
Kyle Funderburk/For The Paper
Bryson King has turned in 3 perfect games.
quickly get rid of what would have been the game-tying point after attempt against the Lions and replace it with what he did against the Raiders. “I kept thinking about what I did last year and I wanted it to be a repeat from last year. That was going through my head. I was physicallyand mentally ready. I didn’t want to mess up again the way I
Dragons and Hawks end season in second round
BY LATRICE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@clickthepaper.com
All a first-year head coach can ask for is to have a team that works hard and plays hard but the Jefferson High School softball team ushered head coach Zach Black into a new era with a second round playoff appearance. However, Black is quick to acknowledge that much of their success stemmed from the squad he inherited. “Taking this team to the Sweet 16 of the playoffs in my first year is a testament to these girls and the work ethic they came in with every day. We had a good group returning from last year and they knew what it took to get back to the position we were in. They definitely made it a special year for me,” said Black. After defeating Westminster in the first round, Jefferson traveled to Bremen where they faced adversity they just couldn’t put behind them. “I think the biggest obstacle in the series was overcoming a game one loss. We lost a tough game 5-4 in eight innings and then had to bounce back and play again 20 minutes later,” said Black. The second time around, the Lady Dragons were not as fortunate on offense. They turned in just one run against the Lady Blue Devils who put up six to clinch the series win. Black said he believes a shift of momentum may have given Bremen the edge but that doesn’t negate Jefferson’s performance. “Give credit to our girls because they really fought hard all day. Unfortunately some things did not go our way and we did not come out on top. I am very happy with how we competed for both games,” Black stated. Jefferson finished its season 24-12 overall and 13-3 in region play. They lose seniors Ashley Boyd, Jordan Phillips, Raegan Sandy and Savannah Snapp. In their final go-round, the seniors had to buy into a completely new system and staff but still helped the team produce as many wins as possible, and that’s all the ball coach could ever ask for. “I don’t know that a simple thank you is enough. These girls got basically a new coaching staff for their senior year. They could have easily not been open to the idea,” Black said. “From the beginning, the girls bought in to what we were trying to do and did a fantastic job being leaders to the underclassmen,” said Black. “I am very proud of Ashley, Jordan, Raegan and Savannah and they will always hold a special place in my mind, being the first group of seniors I had as a head coach. “This whole year was pretty special [as I] look back at the things we accomplished as a team,” Black said.
ning field goal that lifted Mill Creek past Alpharetta High School 41-39. “I like being in those situations. It felt amazing,” said King. When the Hawks faced No. 1 North Gwinnett on Oct. 11, King watched the scoreboard closely as the time slowly ticked away. There was a 50-percent chance he could have been the hero and kick the game-tying field goal but he had to
Doug Chellew and Latrice Williams/The Paper
Top: The Lady Dragons finished its season second in the region behind Social Circle. Bottom: The Lady Hawks were just one game shy of making another trip to Columbus.
did against Peachtree Ridge,” said King. King’s season has been back and forth, mainly due to an injury he suffered prior to the game against Mountain View. It has slowed him down a little bit but he’s progressing daily and has turned it three perfect games. See KING, 2B
BY LATRICE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@clickthepaper.com
Down 6-4 with the bases loaded in game two, Mill Creek couldn’t have asked for a better setup with Carly Zabow at the plate. Normally a reserve player, Zabow was familiar with being in a pressure situation as she hit the game winning walkoff, pinch-hit RBI double earlier this season against Archer. There was very little doubt that the Hawks were going to force a game three but, the Broncos had other plans and Zabow was struck out on a changeup by Amanda Ablan. While the Broncos escaped the second round of the state playoffs and earned a trip to Columbus, Ga., the Lady Hawks gave them a lot of scares along the way. In game one, with two runners on and one out, the Lady Broncos nailed a picture perfect bunt, giving way for the first run of the night. Then, the BHS took advantage of a wild pitch for a trip home and pulled in its third run for a 3-0 lead. In the top of the fifth, Sarah Peery doubled on a line drive down left field. Then Peery notched the first run of the night off an RBI by Morgan Bell. Fagioli laid down a perfect bunt and the Hawks were back in business with loaded bases. Moments later, Mill Creek advanced home on a wild pitch, trimming its deficit to one. Then the drama unfolded when the Hawks went up 4-3 off a 2-run wild pitch. But the Broncos fired back in the bottom of the sixth and seventh with one run each to win 5-4. Game two provided a similar scenario but a much more dramatic ending. With two on and one out, Brookwood went up 2-0 off an error and a squeeze play. In the top of the third with two out, the Broncos belted a line drive down right field and secured its third run for a 3-0 lead. Within the blink of an eye, the Lady Broncos were up 6-0 but, that didn’t faze the Hawks. Emily Robertson singled, Felt walked and the Hawks battled back with its first run with a close play at the plate. Down 6-1, Christina Evans bunted to first and stole second. Then, Peery blasted a much needed homer with one on and two outs, cutting its deficit to two. Mill Creek got out of the top of the fifth with two runners on with a huge double play and battled back by scoring three runs off of wild pitches. The Lady Hawks finished its season 26-8 and 11-3 in region play.
Mill Creek ready to defend region championship BY LATRICE WILLIAMS
lwilliams@clickthepaper.com
The Mill Creek High School boys’ cross country team has all the key pieces needed to repeat as region champs. The only issue they’ve had this season is everyone clocking in their best time at the same time. Josh Arceneaux and Eric Westog said that individually, the Hawks have done
well but now it’s time to put those numbers together so they can come out on top in Duluth this Saturday. “I don’t think it’s going to be an easy meet but I certainly like our chances,” said Arceneaux. Westog said, “We have not put together the team performance we know we can as of yet. Once we do that, we are one of the most competitive teams in the state.” “At different points of
local BASKETBALL
the season, everyone has had their best race. We just haven’t done it on the same day yet,” said Westog. “This Saturday looks like we could have a good race.” The teams will compete in their backyard and both agreed that is certainly an advantage. “It helps when you can sleep in your own bed at night,” said Arceneaux. “It helps that we’ve run this course so many times.
We’ve run the county, region and Stage Races meet there,” said Westog. It’s no secret that the Hawks have one of the more solid teams. However, they will have their hands full with Kevin Mills of Peachtree Ridge High School. He has consistently run under 16 minutes this season. “Tyler and Eric could overtake Mills but I think
our strength is in our third, fourth and fifth runner,” said Arceneaux. Tyler Woodrome has been closing in on Mills as he turned in a time of 15 minutes and 55 seconds in the county championship. At the Great American Cross Country Festival, Westog finished with a time of 16 minutes and 2 seconds.
LOCAL RACING
See HAWKS, 2B
“I don’t think we are underdogs but winning the title would be unexpected to our competitors.” Josh Arceneaux Mill Creek cross country
LOCAL basketball
Jackson Co. Parks and Rec basketball
SCCA comes to Road Atlanta
Basketball registration for Jefferson
Hoops season is right around the corner! Jackson County Parks and Recreation basketball registration officially opened Sept. 30 and runs until Nov. 2. The cost for the 5-6 co-ed team is $65 as well as the 7-8 team but is not co-ed. The 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15 teams are $75. The age control date is Jan. 1, 2014. For more information, visit jacksonrec.com or call 706-367-6350.
The Sports Car Club of America will make its way to Braselton Nov. 1-3. It is considered to be the largest sports car race of the year for amateur racing and will see more than 400 contestants from more than 30 states. This will be the championship run for the American Road Race of Champions. Fans will be allowed to camp. A 3-day pass is $40, a 2-day pass is $35 and a oneday only pass is $25 but a Friday only pass is $15. There are discounts for SCCA members. For more information, contact Road Atlanta at 1-800-849RACE or visit the website at roadatlanta.com. Also visit www.scca.com.
Basketball season for young Dragons is approaching and those wishing to participate in basketball at Jefferson Parks and Rec will have until Nov. 1 to register. This is only for 12U and 14U athletes. The cost is $80. Non-residents will be charged an extra $35. The age control date is Jan. 1, 2014. Player evaluations were held Oct. 26 at the Jefferson Sports Complex. For more information, visit jeffersonrec.com or call 706-367-5116.