CALHOUN 20, PEACH COUNTY 14 (OT)
The star: Calhoun’s defense, which forced a fumble that was recovered by the Yellow Jackets’ Baylon Spector on Peach County’s first possession of overtime.Up next: The 2014 state champions move on to the quarterfinals against Elbert County next week.
CALHOUN, Ga. - Calhoun let a couple of late opportunities slip away Friday night, but it made the last one count.
After a pair of second-half miscues, the Yellow Jackets forced a turnover in overtime, then scored on their first possession to escape with a 20-14 home win against Peach County in the second round of the Class AAA playoffs Friday night at Phil Reeve Stadium.
The Jackets (12-0) dominated possession with a vicious rushing attack throughout the game, but they failed to convert a go-ahead score on two key possessions in regulation. Star quarterback Kaelan Riley fumbled inside the 5-yard line, and the potent running game was stonewalled by the Trojans inside the 2 to start the fourth quarter.
"It really hurt to fumble and not get that score," Riley said. "But I knew in overtime, if we stopped them, we were going to score."
Calhoun's defense held strong after allowing the game-tying touchdown, a 56-yard run by Tyrique McGhee. The only Peach County (9-3) threat after that was a 55-yard field goal attempt.
The Trojans got the ball first in overtime and threatened to score, working the ball down to the 2. Then on third-and-goal, Calhoun forced a fumble that was recovered by the Jackets' Baylon Spector.
"Our defense played extremely well," Calhoun coach Hal Lamb said. "They were tough and physical, and I feel like they tackled well."
Riley didn't leave anything to chance on offense, taking it in from the 15 for the win.
"It felt amazing," Riley said. "I can't even put it into words. In overtime, with this crowd and this team and this city, we had to get the win. We weren't going to let this city down."
Riley rushed for 156 yards and passed for 155 more, including a 25-yard touchdown to Olico Dennis, who also ran for 77 yards and a score.
Peach County struck first with a 28-yard strike from Antonio Gilbert to Kendrick Johnson in the opening quarter. The touchdown catch by Dennis knotted the game at 7-all, and his touchdown run gave Calhoun the lead with 5:08 to play in the first half.
The Trojans' game-tying score was the only second-half touchdown and came with 9:27 to play.
Gilbert led the way for the visitors with 141 yards through the air, including 76 to Johnson.
Calhoun, the 2014 state champion, broke its postgame huddle by shouting "Back-to-back!" The Jackets face Elbert County in next week's quarterfinals.
"We had every which way to lose that game," Lamb said. "Our kids are resilient and found a way to win. You have to find a way to get it done in the playoffs or you're going home."