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Julian Lewis returns, but Carrollton’s defense is the star in the GHSA semifinal against Buford

Posted on by Taylor Reeves
Julian Lewis returns, but Carrollton’s defense is the star in the GHSA semifinal against Buford

ExploreNo. 1 Milton looks like a potential all-time state champion

“I think we only had maybe five offensive plays in the third quarter,” Carrollton coach Joey King said. “They milked the clock. We had some penalties that kept them going, but our defense had their backs and kept them out of the end zone. I’m super proud of her tonight.”

Carrollton (14-0) will face No. 6 Grayson (13-1) in the championship game. It will be the first meeting between the two teams. Buford finished the year 12-2.

Buford led 17-14 at halftime and appeared to be on its way to extending the lead when they took the kickoff in the second half and reached the 14-yard line in 14 plays. But on the 15th play, Spratling stripped the ball from Buford quarterback Dayton Raiola and Zelus Hicks recovered.

Carrollton then reversed the momentum by going for a touchdown. The big play was a 47-yard run by Farmer, who shook off a tackle and ran 47 yards for the 1st play. He scored a goal on the next play, giving the Trojans their first lead.

Buford tried again to keep the ball on the ground, eating up the clock and keeping it away from Lewis. The strategy worked – the Wolves ran 10 plays to get to the 32, but missed a 45-yard field goal that would have tied the game.

Buford forced a turnover on Carrollton’s next possession when Demarious Nibbe intercepted a pass thrown into double coverage. But the Wolves weren’t going anywhere and a combo sack by Zykie Helton and Kelley forced a quick punt that went just 19 yards to the 28-yard line.

Carrollton took advantage of the short field and scored on a 6-yard run by Farmer, who had 27 carries for 115 yards and two scores and caught one pass for 21 yards. Carrollton added a 39-yard field goal from Carlos Hernandez for a 30-17 lead. The Trojans tied the game when Kameron McClure sacked Raiola, who fumbled into the arms of Kelley.

The Trojans made things difficult for Raiola all night long, hitting him with a steady stream of pressure. The second-year left-hander completed 12 of 25 passes for 135 yards.

“Our message all week has been mindset,” King said. “It’s all about having the right attitude. Our children fought each other all night long. We got out of our own way a little bit in the second half and found a way to win the game.”

Lewis, the highly touted prospect who signed with Colorado on Wednesday, has been uncertain all week after injuring his hand in the first quarter of last week’s game against Hillgrove. But Lewis showed he was fine on his third throw, throwing a 47-yard touchdown to AJ McNeil.

Lewis completed 15 of 18 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns, the other being a 23-yard strike to Peyton Zachery and an interception.

“I have great teammates,” Lewis said. “Our defense held its ground in the second half so we were able to move forward. The defense has taken a stand.”

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