Paladins Advance to State Quarterfinals with Victory Over Athens Christian
“It’s the playoffs, you find a way to get through” - Steve Finley
The Paladins, Region 6A Champions, defeated Athens Christian in the first round of the GHSA playoffs on Friday night, 20-7. It was a rough game for both teams, as there was only one touchdown scored in the entire first half, but the Paladins ended up making a run late in the game to get the victory. Head coach Todd Winter said: “It wasn’t pretty... but we made plays when we needed to make plays, and that’s what it’s all about in the playoffs.” With the win, Pinecrest advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face a tough opponent in Stratford Academy.
Ryan McCarthy had two touchdowns on the ground, including a punt return, and he threw a huge touchdown pass to Corey Downes near the end of the game. The defense, though, was the star of the show. They allowed just one touchdown and McCarthy made an interception in the final seconds to seal the deal.
1st Quarter
With new stands, black uniforms, and the enticing smell of Tent-City’s wings, the Paladins were ready to kick off the playoffs between the pines. Stuart Jeans was added to the roster for this week to help bolster PA’s kicking capacity, and he booted downfield it to start the game.
Athens Christian started at their own 33. Relying heavily on the run, they drove down the field and scored a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead with 5:26 left in the quarter.
PA got the ball at their own 35, but they were held to a 3-and-out.
Athens got the ball back and the strong Paladins defense stood tall and forced a punt. PA started at their own 47.
2nd Quarter
There was no scoring in this quarter, but the Paladins went into the locker room with at least some momentum after Athens missed a field goal in the final seconds of the half.
3rd Quarter
The third quarter was basically a punting camp, with Athens being that one coach who always shows what not to do.
PA got the ball to start the second half, and started at their own 40. They punted after just one first down.
Athens punted on their next drive, but Nolan Stafford burst through the line to block it!
Despite the good field position, PA ended up punting again on their next drive.
Athens got the ball and they… wait for it… punted it. This time, though, Ryan McCarthy returned it for a touchdown, tying the game up at seven apiece with 1:01 left in the quarter.
Athens started their next drive at their own 47.
4th Quarter
Athens was driving down the field when Mitchell Ojeda came out of nowhere to make a huge interception, and he (almost) returned it for a touchdown with 11:46 left in the game. McCarthy ended up running it into the endzone and Jeans nailed extra-point to make it 14-7, PA.
When Athens got the ball back, the standout Paladin defense forced and recovered a fumble.
Unfortunately, the PA offense was not able to capitalize on the turnover, and they were forced to punt with 8:18 left in the game.
On Athens’ next drive, the PA defense made the most pivotal play of the game and forced a turnover on downs.
The Paladins took over at the 50-yard line with 5:23 left. After only a few plays, McCarthy threw a pass deep into the endzone and Corey Downes made a spectacular catch to put the Paladins up 20-7 with 1:41 left in the game. They missed the extra-point, but that didn’t change the slim chance of Athens Christian winning (for anyone unfamiliar with football, it’s not common practice to score two touchdowns in one minute).
To finish it off, McCarthy made an interception with 33 seconds left in the game. The Paladins ran the clock out and survived Athens Christian.
The Paladins play their next playoff game at home against Stratford Academy on November 27.
