Trojans, Wolves, Raiders, Dragons move on

MURRAYVILLE - All four Region 7-AAA teams were peaking heading into the Class AAA football playoffs.

But when the smoke cleared Friday night only North Hall would advance to the second round.

Bobby Epps had three touchdowns as the Trojans rolled over visiting McNair 41-20 at The Brickyard. North Hall next will play host to Sandy Creek, which knocked off No. 6 ranked Hart County 23-8 Friday night.

Flowery Branch could not stop high-flying Chamblee as the Bulldogs scored 19 consecutive points en route to a 47-34 win at Falcons Field.

Gainesville had a rough night in Atlanta as Westminster started quick and never let up in routing the Red Elephants 48-8. White County was just 24 minutes from the biggest upset in the state leading Carver, Atlanta 13-0 at halftime. But the Warriors could not hold it falling 20-13 in overtime as Carver intercepted a pass in the first overtime to seal the win.

In other Class AAA action, Stephens County beat Cedartown 41-10 while Apalachee won its first-ever playoff game beating Haralson County 23-13. The Wildcats next will travel to Carver, Atlanta, who had to rally to beat White County 20-13.

No. 1 Buford began its quest for the Class AA title demolishing Washington-Wilkes 56-6 at Tom Riden Stadium. The Wolves (11-0) next will play host to Darlington, which beat Callaway 45-28. In other Class AA action, Fannin County fell 21-7 to Holy Innocents'. Region 6-AA went 4-0 Friday night as Greater Atlanta Christian and Lovett also won.

Habersham Central survived a tough opener against last year's Class AAAA state runner-up Marist taking a 24-7 win in Mt. Airy.

In Class A, Jefferson won its first playoff game since 2003 pulling away from Bowden in the second half for a 24-13 win at Memorial Stadium. The Dragons (8-3) next will travel to Warrenton to take on Warren County (9-2) in the second round. Commerce, however, did not fare as well falling 16-14 to Gordon Lee on the road.

In GISA action, Riverside Military Academy fell to Pinewood Christian 28-19 at Maginnis Field in the first round of the playoffs.