GAINESVILLE — Kyle Bacus will never forget Friday night's performance.
In perhaps his final home game, the North Hall senior running back shattered the program's single game rushing record, slicing up East Hall for 337 yards to supplant former Trojans standout TJ Pitts, as North Hall ran away with a 68-42 victory.
And yet the unassuming Bacus would probably much rather celebrate the fact that the pushed the Trojans one step closer to the state playoffs.
North Hall is still uncertain what seed it will take as it enters the postseason, but -- due to Region 7-AAA's plus/minus-12 tiebreaker -- the Trojans know they are state-bound.
That they are is thanks in large part to its rushing attack and specifically Bacus.
One of the state leaders in rushing, the senior out-stripped even his usual numbers on Friday, averaging a jaw-dropping 15.3 yards per attempt while totalling 22 carries. His 54-yard touchdown run got the Trojans (6-4, 3-3 Region 7-AAA) off to a strong start. He added three more second half touchdown runs as the offensive fireworks exploded for each team.
North Hall led 20-14 at the half and moved ahead 27-14 on a 1-yard Bacus scoring plunge at the start of the third quarter. North Hall went on to score 34 points in the period -- though East Hall refused to yield, scoring two touchdowns of its own. The Vikings (2-7, 0-5) and Trojans also scored two more touchdowns apiece in the fourth quarter -- but the Trojans' third quarter damage proved the difference.
Maddox Turner, who finished the night with two touchdown runs and a touchdown catch, scored twice in the third quarter, while quarterback Jackson Madonna also hooked up with Jack Brown for a score before Bacus capped the period with a 58-yard touchdown run.
The Trojans finished with 529 yards of offense -- including 432 yards rushing.
East Hall put up 320 yards, including 209 passing, as Austin Parker completed 22 of 39 attempts for four touchdowns. Amir Ellison was his top target, hauling in six catches for 106 yards, while Markese Jackson had five receptions for 42 yards. Deon Ellison also rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown.
East Hall will complete its regular season next week against Fannin County in Rabbittown.
North Hall's regular season is now complete, though the Trojans will watch next week's game between Lumpkin County and Union County with interest, as the outcome will determine North Hall's playoff seeding.
