SUWANEE - North Gwinnett's Cordero Dixon set the tone early Friday night in the Bulldogs' Class AAAAA first round playoff game against Centennial.
Dixon took the opening kickoff and sprinted 99-yards for the score to help pace North Gwinnett to a 52-21 win at home.
The Bulldogs special teams also added another score in the second quarter when Dayton Overstreet blocked a Centennial punt and Alex Forrester picked it up and ran 24-yards for the touchdown and a quick 28-0 lead.
North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire said his team was ready for the playoffs to get started.
"I thought we came out focused and ready to play," Sphire said. "The special teams and the defense really played well in the first half. The second half, though, we let (Centennial) get some big plays and we won't be able to get away with that next week. But it's always good to get that first win in the playoffs."
As for the North Gwinnett offense, quarterback C.J. Uzomah accounted for over 200 yards passing and rushing. Running back Raamil Brantley had 63 yards rushing and two touchdowns and Dixon added an 18-yard scoring run.
Justin Dickins had a solid game receiving with five catches for 87 yards and one touchdown.
The Bulldogs next will play host to Woodstock in the second round. Woodstock knocked off Dacula 24-7 in the first round.
Monday
May 12th, 2025
5:02PM
