The Peachtree Ridge Lions will face off against the North Gwinnett Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a five-game winning streak alive.
Peachtree Ridge had to skate by with only a two-point margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 36-point drubbing they dealt Duluth on Friday. The Lions claimed a resounding 43-7 victory over the Wildcats. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by 25 points or more this season.
Peachtree Ridge's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Rayshaun Parks led the charge by rushing for 96 yards and one score on only 13 carries, while also throwing for 128 yards and one touchdown. Sedric Addison was another key back, gaining 66 total yards and three touchdowns.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Peachtree Ridge was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 239 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 174 rushing yards in three consecutive games.
Peachtree Ridge's defense stepped up as well, laying out Shamar Banner five times. Leading the way was Isaac Nkereuwem with two sacks. Another thorn in Duluth's side was Seyon Bedell, who picked up a sack and made 16 total tackles.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask North Gwinnett). They blew past Berkmar, posting a 57-0 win. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Bulldogs' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Georgia football rankings (they are ranked 11th, while the Patriots are ranked 384th).
Peachtree Ridge better keep an eye on Kalil Mazone. He was instrumental in North Gwinnett's win, rushing for 94 yards and a pair of TDs. The dominant performance also gave Mazone a new career-high in rushing touchdowns (two). Another player making a difference was Elam Rahman, who threw for 92 yards and three touchdowns.
Special teams played a big role in the game for North Gwinnett, adding 13 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Kaleb Onu, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
North Gwinnett's victory bumped their record up to 5-1. As for Peachtree Ridge, their win bumped their record up to an identical 5-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Peachtree Ridge has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 172.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like North Gwinnett struggles in that department as they've been averaging 182 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Peachtree Ridge suffered a grim 44-22 defeat to North Gwinnett when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Lions, Tommy Lafayette (who rushed for 171 yards and one score) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
