Defending state champs avenge only loss of 2022 season, ESPN2 ignites angst by cutting away with 23 seconds left and the game still up in the air.
In one of the biggest high school football games in the country this weekend, defending AAAAAAA Georgia state champion No. 25
Mill Creek (Hoschton) showed it is still the team to beat with a 31-24 win over No. 5
Buford on Friday. The game will be remembered not only for the result but also because ESPN2 cut away from the contest for NBA preseason action with 23 seconds remaining and the outcome still in doubt.
Mill Creek scored the game-winner with around a minute left to go in the game as
Shane Throgmartin connected with western Kentucky commit
Justin Content from 21 yards out. The Hawks extended their win streak to 15 games and avenged their only loss of the 2022 state championship season.
It wouldn't be a shock to see the Hawks and the Wolves meet again for the AAAAAAA state championship.
For now, however, the Hawks bragging rights in one of high school football's power states.
Cameron Robinson scored twice in Mill Creek's win over Buford on Friday night. (File photo: Kenny Grimes)
Down 17-10 at half, Mill Creek was forced to punt on its opening possession of the second
half but gained new life when the Wolves muffed a punt return at their own
39. The Hawks recovered and tied the game two plays later on a one-yard plunge by
Cameron Robinson. Throgmartin connected with
Jaiden Patterson for 38 yards on the first play of the drive.
With the nation's No. 1 prospect under center in
Dylan Raiola, Buford drove to the Mill Creek one-yard line on its next possession but fumbled the snap on fourth and goal for a turnover on downs.
Mill Creek regained the lead eight plays later when Throgmartin connected with
Trajen Greco from 13 yards out with 11:10 remaining in the contest.
A pick-six by
Nassir Mccoy helped Buford get back in it and tie the game at 24 before Mill Creek drove for the final score in the final minutes.
Mill Creek then drove for the final score with 70-seconds left.
Mill Creek (7-0) will travel to 1-5 Collins Hill next weekend while Buford (6-1) hits the road to tangle with 1-5 Dacula.
