Patriots and Panthers get region wins

It seems like ever week features a big local rivalry, but none are bigger right now than the annual game between Whitewater and Starr's Mill. Last Friday's contest was another classic in the series.

Whitewater (2-4, 0-2 region) started the scoring in their rivalry game at Starr’s Mill (3-3, 2-0 region) with a long run from Josh Clemons (129 yards on 16 carries). Starr’s Mill’s Jeffrey Greene (134 yards on four catches) tied the game on a big play of his own and the two teams remained deadlocked until the third. The Panthers kicked a field goal in the third quarter but Whitewater took a 14-10 lead with a 70 yard run from Brandon Collins (103 yards on eight carries). Trenton Edwards (55 yards on 2 carries) gave Starr’s Mill a 17-14 lead with a 50 yard touchdown run but Whitewater forced overtime with a field goal in the final 30 seconds of the game. In overtime, Zach Laskey (72 yards on 16 carries) scored for the Panthers giving them the win.

Starr’s Mill’s Payne Spencer had a 34 yard field goal, while Whitewater’s Dylan Johnson connected on a 35 yarder.
How even was this game? Starr’s Mill accumulated 364 yards of offense to Whitewater’s 365. Whitewater rushed for 290 yards and passed for 75 with three interceptions, while Starr’s Mill rushed for 112 and passed for 252. Starr’s Mill’s Adam Holley set a new school record for passing wth his 252 yards. The previous record was held by Miles Jaye’s 229 yards, also against Whitewater, in 2007.

Starr’s Mill plays at McIntosh on Friday, while Whitewater plays at Northgate.

Sandy Creek continued their dominant play. The Patriots improved to 4-1 (2-0 region) with a 48-9 win over the McIntosh Chiefs (3-3, 0-2 region). Rajion Neal scored four first half touchdowns and didn’t play in the second half.

Fayette County (3-3, 1-1 region) trailed Northgate (2-4, 1-1 region) 14-0 in the second quarter but the cut the lead to 14-7 when quarterback Jensen Floyd connected with Eric Lauderdale on a touchdown pass. Lauderdale was named Homecoming Prince for the Junior Class at halftime, but there were no highlights for the Tigers in the second half. Northgate added a touchdown on a quarterback keeper from Toby Slagle in the third quarter and added a field goal late.

In other games Friday, Landmark Christian (4-3, 4-1 region) lost to Holy Innocents 41-18. Our Lady of Mercy (2-4, 1-4 region) lost to Southwest Atlanta 22-14.