“The Game of the Year” was played in Lowndes Co. where the defending AAAAA state champion Vikings played host to the defending AAAA state champion Northside Eagles. Both teams entered the game unbeaten and riding long winning streaks – 19 games for Lowndes and 35 games for the Eagles.
After a scoreless first quarter, Lowndes got on the scoreboard with 6:30 left in the second quarter on a 3 yard run. The conversion made the score 7-0 in favor of the Vikings. The Eagles answered with impressive 8 play – 80 yard drive that ended with K.J. Morton scoring on a 16 yard reverse. Devon Pike’s kick knotted the score at 7 with 2:59 left before halftime.
With 6 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, the Eagles’ Evan Arthur punted deep into Lowndes territory. Lowndes fielded the ball inside the 5 yard line and appeared to be down after slipping and his knee contacting the ground. However, no call was made and the Eagles eventually forced the returner out of bounds at the 21. Three penalty flags were thrown and a confusing explanation given that no one understood but the Vikings somehow ended up with the ball on the 41 yard line. The Vikings scored 4 plays later but missed the PAT kick to make the score 13-7 with 3:03 left in the 3rd quarter. An interception and poor field position for the Eagles led to 10 more Viking point in the 4th quarter for a final score of 24-7 in favor of the Vikings.
The loss ended Northside’s 35 game winning streak – the 8th longest streak in Georgia High School Association history. The Eagles stay on the road next week when they travel to Douglas, Ga to take on the Coffee Co. Trojans.