Lions beat Mill Creek, stay atop 7-AAAAA standings

DULUTH - Peachtree Ridge took advantage of Mill Creek's kicking game to take a tough 17-9 win a key Region 7-AAAAA battle Friday night.

The Lions' play on both sides of the line of scrimmage also helped Peachtree Ridge keep pace in the region standings.


"It was a big win for us in Region play. We are now in a 3-way tie for first," Peachtree Ridge coach Bill Balard said. "Our offensive line played a beautiful game and they were able to open up holes for our fullback. Our defensive line made some nice stops. I'd say the story of the game was both our offensive and defensive lines."


The Lions (4-2, 4-0 in region) are now tied with Collins Hill and North Gwinnett with identical region records. The Lions will travel to Collins Hill next week in battle for first place.

The Lions defense, however, made the first big play intercepting a pass from Mill Creek quarterback Ed Russ on the first possession of the game. The Lions' Nick Lombardo capped a 40-yard drive scoring from 9-yards out on a quarterback keeper for a 7-0 lead.

The Hawks answered back in the second quarter when Tyler Zelesky scored on a 1-yard run but Brian Heinze's extra point was no good and Peachtree Ridge held on to a 7-6 lead. The Hawks took the lead just before the half on a 29-yard field by Heinze, which came one play after he hit the upright on a 43