Jeff Hart

The annual War Eagle Invitational is starting to become the North Hall boys cross country team

A single by Scott Cousins - his first hit as a big leaguer - drove in the winning run with none out in the 10th inning Sunday, completing a dramatic swing of emotions as the Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves 7-6.

While pouring over game notes late in the second quarter of Georgia's 55-7 destruction of Louisiana-Lafayette, many of us in the press box heard the cheer begin slowly and then watched as many of the announced sellout crowd of 92,746 began to take to their feet cheering.

Georgia was not fazed by a slew of opening-game distractions and systemic changes as the Bulldogs rode the hot hand of freshman Aaron Murray, the legs of Carlton Thomas and Caleb King, and a solid defensive effort to an impressive 55-7 thumping of Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday at Sanford Stadium in its season-opener.

Already without starting running back Washuan Easley, Georgia found out about 90 minutes before kickoff against Louisiana-Lafayette Saturday that starting wide receiver A.J. Green also would not be playing.

Carver, Columbus did what no one had been able to do in the 21st Century. The Tigers recorded the first shutout of two-time defending state champion Buford since 1999 in a 14-0 win in the marquee matchup in the state Friday night.

While freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson was having his coming out party for Gainesville, senior all-state linebacker A.J. Johnson had a few surprises of his own Friday night against White County.

Senior quarterback Shunquez Stephens accounted for 300 yards of offense and threw three touchdown passes to lead West Hall to a 24-13 win over Chestatee Friday night at War Eagle Stadium.

East Hall built a 21-7 halftime lead and then held on down the stretch to beat cross-town rival Johnson Friday night.

Commerce is averaging 21 points in the second half in 2010. The problem is that the Tigers have yet to score a point in the first half in the first two games of the season.