JEFFERSON — East Hall's offense continued its high-flying ways, but it was the Vikings defense that made the difference on Friday night.
East Hall snagged two turnovers and forced two turnovers on downs to help pull away from Jackson County 45-26 in Jefferson.
"That was the top rushing offense we've faced so far, and we made them drive the whole field -- and our defensive line and linebackers played with heart and stuck to their fundamentals," East Hall coach Bryan Gray said. "I was really impressed by their effort, and just how they kept fighting."
The Vikings (3-1) reeled off their third straight win and did their usual offensive damage along the way. Quarterback Austin Parker rushed for over 100 yards and threw for over 350, piling up five total touchdowns -- four through the air. Sedrion Morse caught three of the scoring tosses, while Cambren Harrison also had over 100 yards receiving.
The Panthers (3-2) fought throughout but could not answer Parker's 72-yard touchdown run -- a play that gave the visitors a 24-20 lead with 7:17 left in the third quarter. Following a back-and-forth first half, East Hall would not trail again, expanding its advantage to 38-20 before the Panthers got back into the end zone.
"Considering everything we've had go on this week, to see them fight through the adversity -- I'm just very proud of them right now," Gray said. "And I think we've found some confidence and that's going to be a stepping stone for us next week."
The Vikings will begin region play next week, playing host to Lumpkin County in 7-AAA.
Jackson County, meanwhile, will take a bye before beginning Region 8-AAA play on Sept. 29.
