Looking back at week one and looking ahead at week two

Fayette County Tigers (0-1) vs. Starr’s Mill Panthers (0-1)

Last week: The Tigers were shutout at Woodward Academy 34-0, while Starr’s Mill lost at home to North Cobb 42-3.

It was not the start to the 2012 season that either team wanted but both the Tigers and Panthers have no place to go but up. It was the first time in nearly four years that Starr’s Mill failed to score a touchdown. The only points came from a 40 yard field goal from Daniel Rorick. The Starr’s Mill defense gave up 458 yards of offense (236 yards passing and 222 rushing). Joshua Roberts had an interception for the Panthers. Starr’s Mill finished with 171 yards of total offense (85 yards rushing and 86 passing). Freshman Dion Munerlyn rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries.

The Tigers were down 20-0 at the half with 7 of those points coming off a three yard fumble return for a touchdown. Woodward Academy added two more touchdowns in the second half to win 34-0.

Fayette County has not beaten Starr’s Mill since 2007. The Panthers have more depth than the Tigers but Fayette’s speed and athleticism might win out. As with any game, the team with the fewest mistakes will win this one.

Sandy Creek Patriots (1-0) @ Newnan Cougars (2-0)
Last week: The Patriots beat Banneker 52-6, Newnan edged out LaGrange 24-21.

Sandy Creek’s defense had no trouble taming the Trojans and the offense was firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Cole Garvin threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns, two to Demarre Kitt (117 yards). Newnan came back from being down 14-0 to LaGrange and held on for the win. Cougar Receiver Tray Matthews had three touchdown catches and will be the main target for the Patriot secondary to shutdown.

Newnan will be a big test for Sandy Creek. The Cougars are a Class AAAAAA team with size and talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots put together a terrific game, wear Newnan down and win big but I would bet that this one will be a lot closer than last week’s game.

McIntosh Chiefs (1-0) vs. Alexander Cougars (0-1)

Last week: The Chiefs beat North Springs on the road 51-6, Alexander was off last week but lost their opener to Bremen 34-28 on Aug. 25.

The Chiefs exploded for 437 yards of offense (251 yards rushing, 186 yards passing) and quarterback Andrew Johnson was at the center of it all with 124 yards passing and 94 yards rushing. Duke Kinnamon came in in the second half and threw a touchdown pass to Derick Kinnamon. Mike Licitra was 7 for 7 on extra points, Ian Timmins had five tackles, including one for a safety, while Jordan Woodruff added six tackles and Alex Horlak and Patrick Trianna each added four more.

“This was a good win for us. Now we must get prepared for a very good Alexander team,” said head coach Lee Belknap. “We are looking for our team to continue to improve and show a level of maturity and consistency that lends itself to getting better each week.”

If McIntosh can put up numbers like they did last Friday (and they certainly will face tougher defenses) and capitalize on mistakes, they’ll have a very good season.

Whitewater Wildcats (0-1) @ Mundy’s Mill Tigers (0-1), Twelve Oaks Stadium

Last week: Whitewater was off, Mundy’s Mill lost to Lovejoy 44-6.

Whitewater had a week to get over and learn from their 41-3 loss to Coffee. The hope is that the mistakes that were made in the opening night loss will be a thing of the past. Mundy’s Mill faced Lovejoy, ranked eighth in Class AAAAAA, and found themselves unable to stop a talented passing attack (four td passes in first half) and over 100 yards rushing from Georgia Tech commit Travis Custis.

The Wildcats have talent on both sides of the ball, good coaching and a winning tradition. Mundy’s Mill may not have as much firepower as Coffee, but Whitewater will be prepared to grind it out and attempt to play a much more controlled game this Friday.

Our Lady of Mercy Bobcats (1-0) vs. Southwest Atlanta Christian Warriors (0-1)

Last week: Our Lady of Mercy beat Mt. Paran Christian 38-7, Southwest Atlanta Christian had to forfeit (their helmets weren’t ready)

One might be tempted to look at the win over Mt. Paran as the Bobcats beating an overmatched opponent. However, Mt. Paran was 7-4 last season and three of their four losses were by 8 points or less. Their loss to ELCA was by 20 points. Mercy got touchdowns from Rashard Fant (2), Chauncey Laboo and Kalon Anthony. The defense produced a safety and the win was never in doubt. Looking at this week’s game, it would be tempting to overlook Southwest Atlanta Christian, which has recorded only four wins in four years, but the Bobcat coaching staff won’t let their players take anything for granted. Expect Our Lady of Mercy to try and establish some sustained drives for points and an oppressive defensive presence.

Landmark Christian War Eagles (1-1) @ Wilkinson County Warriors (0-1)

Last week: Landmark defeated Athens Christian 31-7, Wilkinson County lost to Wilcox County 43-39.

Josh Nobles had two touchdowns for the War Eagles and Jeremiah Kirkland rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown in the win. Freshman quarterback Stockton McGuire threw two touchdown passes - one to Nobles and one to Will Walters. Freshman Cody Chastain had an interception on defense.

Wilkinson, ranked fourth in Class A, got over 200 yards passing from quarterback David Whipple and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. They will give Landmark everything they can handle this week.