FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL - Woodward downs Collins Hill in Great Atlanta Bash

Ryan Harrigan was 11-of-16 passing for 144 yards and a touchdown to lead Woodward Academy past Collins Hill in the Great Atlanta Bash in Forest Park Friday. But it was a defensive stand – with an interception and forced fumble, which saved the game for the War Eagles.

“What is impressive is that we were out here for maybe 15 minutes before the game,” said head coach John Hunt, who has been at Woodward since 2011 and led the War Eagles to nine region titles.

“Maybe that’s something for me and the coaches to think about,” Hunt said. “Because we slow it down in the gym, I don’t know. But the team was determined to play better than they did this week last year and credit to our defensive coaches, they did a fantastic job.”

Harrigan passed to Clemson-commit Blake Stewart – who caught five passes for 41 yards and the team’s only touchdown reception – to lead the War Eagles to a 13-0 lead at half.

“There are a few things we need to work on with Ryan. There was one thing he did tonight where I was a little irate,” Hunt said, laughing. “But I am glad we have him.”

Stewart – a two-way star with Division I aspirations -- intercepted a pass to thwart Collins Hills’ attempt to narrow the margin before the half.  

“I have to tip my hat to Collins Hill,” Hunt said. “They never quit and if they would’ve finished that drive, that would have been 97 yards to win this game. But luckily, we made one more play than they did.”

Kicker Afton Rowles kicked two field goals – of 43 and 45 yards – to help Woodward Academy to a 13-0 lead entering the fourth quarter. Collins Hill got on the board on a 63-yard touchdown pass from Makyree Cross to Jacorey Hunt with 7:37 left in the game.

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