Starr's Mill is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Central is on a six-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Starr's Mill Panthers will take on the Central Lions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
With a playoff game on the line, Starr's Mill rose to the challenge on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 45-27 victory over the Phoenix.
Starr's Mill's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Dorsey Benefield, who rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 10.4 yards per carry. Benefield was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 59 yards. Logan Inagawa was another key contributor, rushing for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Central put the finishing touches on their sixth blowout victory of the season on Friday. They took their matchup at home with ease, bagging a 38-10 victory over Lovett. Given Central's advantage in MaxPreps' Georgia football rankings (they are ranked 49th, while Lovett is ranked 168th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Central found their leader in underclassman Jonaz Walton, who rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on only 15 carries. Walton hasn't dropped below two rushing touchdowns for three straight games.
Their wins bumped Starr's Mill to 9-3 and New Hampstead to 6-5.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. Starr's Mill has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 194.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Central struggles in that department as they've been even better at 221.6 per game. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches. Come back here after the game to get analysis of the match and other football content.
