Game 1: Etowah vs. Starr’s Mill
The opening contest of the Corky Kell Classic was supposed to be a defensive battle. Etowah’s defense is led by its line with college prospects defensive end Justin Blosser and defensive tackle Tyler Thomas, while Starr’s Mill linebacker Stephen Roberts has offers from half a dozen different D-1 schools, including Louisville and Mississippi State.
However, both fans of Etowah and Starr’s Mill, with students painted in school colors, blowing air horns and swinging thunder sticks, got a scintillating offensive surprise with Etowah defeating Starr’s Mill 47-24.
Thank Etowah senior running back Ryan Boykin.
Etowah had a hole to fill at running back after losing 2007 leading rusher Michael Turner to graduation, and Boykin began filling that void on the first play from scrimmage with a 21-yard run right up the middle of the Panthers defense.
By the end of the game, Boykin completely eradicated any questions the Eagles had at running back with 277 yards and four touchdowns on only 17 carries.
Boykin got an ample amount of help from quarterback James Harris and fellow running back Jason Holdway, as the Eagles ran the triple-option offense to perfection for 415 yards on 39 carries as a team. Holdway carried the ball 14 times for 73 yards and one score, while Harris added 58 yards rushing and 108 through the air with one score.
Etowah scored early and often with experienced offensive linemen Zach Lonas and Reid Webster opening up running lanes for Boykin and company. Harris connected with receiver Taylor Majors for 20 yards for the first score of the game.
Holdway then ran into the end zone from five yards out for Etowah’s second score. After one quarter, the Eagles led 14-0.
Starr’s Mill’s offense got going early in the second quarter when senior running back Spencer Penson ran five yards into the end zone. But Etowah answered right back when Boykin broke loose for a 22-yard touchdown run, and the Eagles led at the half 20-7 after a missed extra point.
Starr’s Mill made things interesting when Terrell Tripp took the opening kickoff of the second half 91 yards for the score.
However, Boykin was too much for the Panther defense as he found the end zone three times in the second half, including a 74-yard burst after Starr’s Mill had pulled to within six points, 27-21, thanks to a 27-yard TD pass from quarterback Adam Holley to Dan Ellis.
Etowah’s final score came on defense when safety Jordan Padgett returned an interception 49 yards for the touchdown.
Etowah will next test their dynamic triple-option attack at home on Sept. 5 against McEachern. Starr’s Mill will travel to Villa Rica.
Game 2: Walton vs. Brookwood
The second game of the 17th annual Corky Kell Classic was centered around defense, as Walton improved to 2-6 at the Dome with a 14-9 victory over Classic mainstay Brookwood.
On the first drive, Walton senior quarterback Ray Rayburn’s pass was intercepted by Brookwood defensive back Wade Brogdon. Brookwood then missed a field goal on their first drive, and both the Broncos and Raiders remained scoreless after one quarter.
On defense, Walton was led by defensive end David Paulsen who stepped up with two sacks. Paulsen is getting some major college interest and has plans to visit Miami of Ohio in October. Tulane and Stanford have also offered Paulsen a football scholarship.
Offensively, Walton depended on the short passing and steady running game as Rayburn completed 11 passes for 113 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Leading Walton’s receivers was fellow senior Price Garrett with five catches and a touchdown. Senior running back Michael Boydston carried the ball 24 times for 61 yards.
Walton got on the scoreboard first with a one-yard touchdown run by Boydston late in the second quarter, and they led the Broncos 7-0 at the half.
In the second half, Brookwood running back Marvis Lane put the Broncos in field-goal position with a 44-yard run and Walton led Brookwood 7-3 after three quarters. Lane finished the game with 113 yards on 18 carries.
Walton answered right back early in the fourth quarter when Rayburn connected with Garrett for a 12-yard touchdown.
Walton’s defense continued to prevail as defensive end Chris Mooney recovered a fumble by Brookwood’s quarterback Ben McLane.
Brookwood’s defense stopped the Walton offense just past the 50-yard line and then got a much-needed favor when Walton shanked a punt. The Broncos took full advantage as backup sophomore quarterback Kent Rollins ran 15 yards for the touchdown with 2:57 remaining.
On defense, Brookwood held Walton twice for only five yards, but on third and five, the Broncos jumped offsides, giving Walton the first down and the win.
Walton next hosts Kell on Sept. 5, while 2007 Class 5A state runner-up North Gwinnett travels to Brookwood.
Wiley can be reached at dwiley12@gmail.com.
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