VILLA RICA — David Sokol wasn't interested in talking history on Saturday night -- he was more concerned with the present.
And it is a very bright and exciting present indeed after Sokol's Falcons claimed their first state playoff win in 10 years in the first round of the Class 5A bracket courtesy a breath-taking 45-44 upset of Villa Rica on the road.
"We have a group of guys playing for each other; they love to compete and play for each other. And, as a coach, when you know you have that, it's just an amazing feeling," Sokol said. "This is big for these guys and great for the community. I couldn't think of a better group to pull it off."
Joey Nidoy drilled a 3-pointer inside the final 30 seconds to knot the score at 44-44 before Patsheko Lutumba grabbed a rebound of a missed Wildcats shot and was fouled with 1.6 seconds remaining. Lutumba calmly drained the first of two ensuing free throws, missing the second on purpose to help kill the clock and lift the Falcons (18-11) to a Sweet 16 berth.
"(Lutumba) has put in a lot of time and took advantage of the situation," Sokol said. "It was a physical, grind-it-out sort of game, a good game. When the other team has only lost two games coming in, you know it's going to be a challenge. But these guys have never shied away from a challenge."
The second-seeded Wildcats (24-3) entered the contest having won seven of their last eight contests.
"(Our seniors) have been playing together since they were sophomores; last year we had a bunch of good shooters, but they graduated, and these seniors this year just wanted to compete."
Justin Quick led Flowery Branch with 14 points, while Myles Janess added 9. Lutumba chipped in with 8, none bigger than No. 8.
The third-seeded Falcons next travel to Lithonia, time and date to be determined.
