Chestatee smashes through against Eastside with big second half

COVINGTON -- Chestatee believed that four quarters of smash-mouth football could be the difference on Friday.

Thanks to exactly that -- and one huge special teams play -- the War Eagles traveled to Covington and walked away with their second straight victory over Eastside, 33-23.

"We talked about grinding for four quarters, and we did that, and then we got some momentum and never just never let it go," Chestatee coach Stan Luttrell said.

Much of that momentum came courtesy a 70-yard fake punt that Tray Bryant took to the end zone to give the War Eagles a 19-16 lead in the third quarter.

"That was a huge play for us," Luttrell said. "It was fourth and one, and we took a chance, and that really sparked us."

Chestatee (2-1, 1-0 Region 8-AAAA) never trailed from that point, tacking on two more touchdowns before Eastside pulled within 10 with just a minute remaining.

"Our defense did an excellent job all night, but they really played well in the second half and stepped up," Luttrell said. "Blake Buffington also had a big fourth quarter interception."

Buffington and quarterback Wyatt Burgess also scored touchdowns, while running back Zac Cheshire also put together another strong game, scoring twice.

"We just hit another gear in the second half," Luttrell said. "We've got to take everything one game at a time right now. We want to enjoy this one -- Eastside is a good team -- but we also need to get ready for Stephens County next week."

The War Eagles will play host to Stephens County next Friday.