ATLANTA — After taking the defending Class 4A state champions to overtime last week, Flowery Branch saw its second straight contest against a state heavyweight go south in a 20-0 loss to Marist in Atlanta.
Missing a number of starters following last week's slugfest, the Falcons held firm for large periods against the War Eagles' grinding triple option but never found much offensive traction -- especially after starting quarterback Elijah Gainey left the game at halftime and did not return.
Flowery Branch put together the first real drive of the game following a Jalin Strown interception of a Marist pass in the first quarter. Yet the Falcons (6-2, 2-2 Region 7-4A) could not find the end zone, and a field goal attempt failed to leave the game scoreless after the first quarter.
From there the War Eagles (8-1, 5-0) began to chip away, however, starting with a 34-yard field goal from Brendan Farrell that capped a time-consuming drive.
Marist also converted a fourth and 3 just before the half to set up a 15-yard touchdown plunge from Lincoln Parker. The score yielded a 10-0 War Eagle advantage.
Despite a stout effort from the Branch defense, the Falcons never found a way back into the contest, as Farrell converted another field goal in the third quarter and Mitchell Owen hauled in a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. The War Eagles managed 260 total yards, 182 rushing (83 for Parker).
The Falcons managed just 177 total yards, including 56 yards rushing for Strown (on a reverse).
The Branch saw its hopes of a first round playoff berth halted but will look to bounce back next week against a West Hall team desparate for a victory in its own playoff hunt.
