Sanders sets pace for Spartans' offense

Posted: 09.06.2010 By Chris Starrssports@onlineathens.com Athens Academy coach Michael Gunn doesn't claim to be able to peer into the future, but he had a good idea early last week that his quarterback, Mark Sanders, would play well against Oglethorpe County . "I thought he had a great week of practice, and when he has a good week at practice, our whole offense has a good...

Bulldoggs fall flat against Falcons

Posted: 09.04.2010 By Keith Farnersports@onlineathens.com FLOWERY BRANCH - Flowery Branch's move up to Class AAAA doesn't seem to be that much of an adjustment.A week after they beat Madison County 21-0, the Falcons didn't have much problem with Winder-Barrow in a 28-0 victory on Friday. The Falcons did it with a balanced offensive attack led by 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns from junior Jeremy Haley, and...

Raiders' rally comes up short

Posted: 09.04.2010 By Steve Shelnuttsports@onlineathens.com CONYERS - Madison County staged a furious comeback after falling behind in the third quarter, but Salem got a fourth-quarter interception by Breon Brad and stopped the Red Raiders three consecutive downs in the final 6:20 to escape with a 14-9 Region 8-AAAA win. Madison County fell to 0-2 (and 0-2 in the region) after a 21-0 loss last week to Flowery Branch. Salem built...

Billups' return sets tone in Glads' win

Posted: 09.04.2010 By Ryne Dennissports@onlineathens.com Dawun Billups immediately set the tone in Clarke Central 's 34-14 win over Heritage-Conyers Friday as he took the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.While the scoreboard shows a hefty victory for the third-ranked Gladiators, head coach Leroy Ryals said the win wasn't as lopsided as it might have appeared. "Special teams have been keeping us in the game, but we've got to get some...

McDonald, Panthers rip Walnut Grove

Posted: 09.04.2010 By Derek Wileysports@onlineathens.com The lightning stayed away, but senior running back Austin McDonald brought the thunder to Panther Stadium as Jackson County defeated Walnut Grove 21-3 on Friday.McDonald was destined for a monster game last week before an electrical storm ended the Panthers' opener after one half. McDonald finished with 126 yards and a touchdown as Jackson County defeated Johnson-Gainesville 14-8 last week. Against Walnut...

Commerce falls to 0-2 with narrow loss to Franklin County

Posted: 09.04.2010 Staff Reports CARNESVILLE -- Commerce quarterback Cody Streetman rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another on Friday, but Franklin County -- which built up a 17-0 lead at halftime -- prevailed 31-28. Streetman, who rushed 20 times for 88 yards and completed 7 of 17 passes for 98 yards and an interception, opened the Tigers' scoring in the third quarter on...

Resop shaken up as Athens Christian falls to Landmark Christian

Posted: 09.04.2010 Staff Reports FAIRBURN -- Athens Christian got off to a good start Friday as quarterback Zack Resop completed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Shealy in the first quarter, but Resop suffered a leg injury in the second quarter, effectively shutting down Athens Christian 's offensive attack in a 24-6 loss to Landmark Christian. The Eagles (1-1) will host Hebron Christian at 7:30...

Despite late comeback, Jefferson loses to North Hall

Posted: 09.04.2010 Staff Reports GAINESVILLE -- Jefferson  waged a dramatic comeback from a 17-0 halftime deficit but came up short Friday in a 24-10 loss to North Hall, losing their first regular-season game since November 2007. Drequn Sewell scored Jefferson 's first touchdown, running back the second-half kickoff 90 yards. The Dragons' other two scores came from quarteback Bryant Shirreffs, who connected with Cole Givens on...