"The boys just came out and played very, very well," Carter told GPB Sports, streaming the game live. "They were flying around, doing everything we asked."
Though his answer might have been understated, his team's performance was anything but as it rolled to a 38-14 Georgia AAAAAAA state title victory at Parc Stadium in Atlanta.
Ranked third nationally in the MaxPreps Top 25, the Rams (14-0) made a statement for No. 1 by dominating one of the hottest teams and most potent passing attacks in Georgia, en route to its third state title — all in the last decade — and first since 2016. Collins Hill (12-3), making its first state-title appearance, saw its eight-game win streak snapped.
Four-star quarterback
Jake Garcia, whose journey from California to Georgia has been well documented, threw for 136 yards and two touchdowns. His replacement in Wildcat formations,
Jayvian Allen, rushed for three scores, and the team's stellar defense was stout once again.
Grayson quarterback Jake Garcia threw two touchdowns in the first half when the Rams took a 35-0 lead.
Photo by Cecil Copeland
After shutting out three of four opponents in the playoffs, the Rams blanked the Eagles for a half — all they needed to take absolute control. Allen, better known for his work at safety, also had an interception in the first half, one of three takeaways in the first two quarters.
Garcia, who signed to Miami on Dec. 16, set the tone with a 37-yard touchdown strike to
Jamal Haynes on the game's first possession. Much of the rest of the half, the Rams relied on their talented offensive line and a stable of backs — led by sophomore Joseph Taylor (15 carries, 121 yards), junior Sean Downer (16, 92) and freshman Joseph Stone — to rack up four more touchdowns. The committee approach was due to the season-ending injury a month ago to Clemson-bound running back Phil Mafah. No matter, the Rams were talented enough to adjust. They finished with 228 yards rushing to just 21 for the Eagles.
When close to the goal line, Carter went to Allen in the Wildcat and the transfer from New York, scored on runs of 13, 2 and 3 yards to make it 28-0 midway through the second quarter. Following Allen's interception, Garcia ran for 22 yards setting up a 7-yard scoring strike to another freshman, wide receiver Myles Woods.
The Eagles showed their pride and talent in the second half, especially the remarkable junior receiver/cornerback
Travis Hunter, who came in as the national leader with 126 catches for 1,639 yards and 23 touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound had 11 catches — many of the spectacular variety — for 100 yards and a 5-yard touchdown from Sam Horn. Hunter, ranked the No. 2 junior cornerback in the country, according to 247Sports, also added his eight interception on defense. He's already committed to Florida State.
Horn (32-of-49, 243 yards), also a junior, entered with 3,658 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, threw a 45-yard scoring strike to Clint Gilbert (eight catches, 88 yards) off a flea flicker late in the third quarter to make it 38-14. But it was too little, too late.
The championship was sweet for Garcia, who transferred from La Habra (Calif.) during the summer because California's delay of football to 2021. His transfer to Valdosta was deemed against the rules by the Georgia High School Association — he played one game there — and then transferred to Grayson, where he played his eighth game on Wednesday.
This was the eighth and final state championship game in Georgia, and the second win for Grayson over Collins Hill after winning 28-7 on Sept. 18.
Grayson was ready from the start, taking an insurmountable 35-0 lead by halftime.
Photo by Cecil Copeland
Jamal Haynes, Grayson receiver
Photo by Cecil Copeland
Sean Downer, Grayson running back
Photo by Cecil Copeland
Grayson head coach Adam Carter and his players proudly display the state championship trophy.
Photo by Cecil Copeland
