Mill Creek keeps making history, through to quarterfinals

SNELLVILLE -- The records -- and history books -- just keep on falling for Mill Creek.

One week after setting a school record for total offense in the program's first-ever state playoff win, the Hawks improved on both feats on Friday night, upsetting South Gwinnett 49-34 in Snellville.

Mill Creek (7-5) lit up the Comets for 537 yards of offense, including 311 yards from quarterback John Russ, who passed for 210 and three scores while also rushing for 101 yards and a score.

Fullback Tyler Cierski also rumbled for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries for Mill Creek, which will travel to Colquitt County in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals.

"There's nothing better than practicing on Thanksgiving," Mill Creek coach Shannon Jarvis said.

Russ did throw his first interception since the Hawks' season opener, but the pick didn't matter too much for a team that pulled out to a 28-7 lead over their hosts.

Fourth-seeded Mill Creek also got a big game from receiver Williams Salako, who caught two passes for 130 yards -- both for scores and both in the first quarter. Cierski's first scoring run made it 28-7 in the second quarter. Keshawn Bussey also scored on a 10-yard run, giving the Hawks a 35-14 lead in the third quarter.

Brandon Hayman also caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown.

"We've had a good offense all season," Jarvis said. "People can't load up to stop the run against us, because Russ can throw the ball pretty well."