Grayson High School, the No. 4 team in the nation, took on the defending Georgia state champions in Harrison High School. The Rams were looking to move onto the third round of the GHSA 7A Playoffs and become 11-0. Though losing 16 starters from last year’s state championship team, the Harrison Hoyas were looking for an upset of the ages.
The first quarter was a little ugly but filled with great defense. Harrison would start the game off with the ball, but punt it just three minutes into the game. After back to back punts, Grayson High School’s Grady Bryant came up with the Rams 1st take away of the game. Even with the turnover though, the first quarter would end 0-0.
Things weren’t too much prettier on offense in the second quarter. It took nearly half the quarter for points to get on the board, but the Rams were able to do it. Jayvian Allen rushed in the ball from 11-yards out, and the Rams would complete the two-point conversion giving them an 8-0 lead over the Hoyas.
Just minutes after getting the ball back, and trying to score themselves, Tripp Richardson’s pass would be intercepted by the Grayson Rams. Turnover No. 2 for Grayson High School. Just like the first one though, this turnover would lead to no points despite the good field position. The score would stay an 8-0 Grayson High School lead heading into half time.
Grayson High School would get the ball to start the second half, and boy did they make it a powerful one. Things started off on the right foot with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jamal Haynes. After the extra point, the lead would extend to 15-0 over Harrison High School.
Harrison High School would get a good drive going thanks to a Rams penalty extending the drive. The Hoyas would drive down the field for over six minutes as they snuck across into Ram territory. At the Grayson 33-yard line, the Hoyas would look to finally get points on the board with a field goal. It just isn’t that simple though when you’re facing the No. 4 team in the nation.
Jaiyden Hicks would block the field goal attempt, keeping the Hoyas scoreless with 5 minutes to go in the third quarter. The Rams would take over at their own 49-yard line, and begin driving. Nearly right after getting the blocked kick, Jake Garcia would throw his only interception on the night. Deuce Shabazz, cornerback for Harrison High School, would come up with the pick and return it all the way to the Grayson 26-yard line.
The Rams defense wouldn’t fade however. Pushed back deep in their own territory, Grayson High School was able to come up with yet another turnover. Victoine Brown recovered the fumble at their own 33-yard line with a minute to go in the third quarter. Jake Garcia would take matters into his own hands, or legs I should say, scrambling for the six-yard score to start the fourth quarter.
Harrison High School would fortunately be able to put up points with a touchdown pass to James Ziglor III, but miss the extra point. The final score would end up 30-6, and the Grayson Rams would move to 11-0 on the season.
More importantly they look to take on the winner of the North Gwinnett High School/West Forsyth game. This will be the quarter-finals (Round 3) of the Georgia High School Association Playoffs.
