Marist 35, Thomas County Central 21

ATLANTA - Michael Ashkouti scored two touchdowns and No. 6 Marist ended a string of frustrating games against Thomas County Central, taking a 35-21 win in a Class AAAA state semifinals Friday night.<br> <br> The War Eagles (13-1), who won the AAA title in 1989, advanced to play in the state final next week against the winner of Saturday&#39;s game between Statesboro and Tucker.<br> <br> Sean McVay rushed for 56 yards and passed for 57 for Marist, which had lost three previous semifinal games at the Georgia Dome to Thomas Central, including a 35-34 overtime loss in 2002.<br> <br> Marist took its first lead midway through the third quarter on Ashkouti&#39;s 25-yard run. Four plays after Thomas County Central fumbled away the ensuing kickoff at its 10-yard line, Ashkouti scored from a yard out to make it 27-14.<br> <br> Christopher Ashkouti&#39;s 44-yard interception return put the game out of reach.<br> <br> Erik Walden rushed for 104 yards and passed for 139 Thomas County Central (12-2).