Hawks, Bulldogs ready to put on another show in 7-AAAAAA battle

By Jeff Hart Sports Reporter

Posted 5:00PM on Wednesday, September 24, 2014

HOSCHTON -- There's one number that Mill Creek coach Shannon Jarvis is definitely tired of looking at. It's the big, fat goose egg next to the number of wins against rival North Gwinnett. "That's something that we would like to change, no doubt," Jarvis said. "But in fairness, we're still a newer program and they've been the most consistent team in the state over the past 10 years. But I know our guys would like to get that monkey off our backs." The Hawks are 0-8 all-time against North Gwinnett, including a heartbreaking 50-47 loss last year in a game where they let a 19-point lead with six minutes left slip. If ever there was a time for that number to change, Jarvis would love for 2014 to be it for the Hawks, who play host to the Bulldogs Friday night in a key Region 7-AAAAAA showdown. "Mainly if we were able to get the win it would put us 2-0 in the region and that is what we really want," Jarvis said. "Every game in this region is important so if we can knock them off it makes our chances for the playoffs better." Mill Creek (2-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAAAAA) is coming off a 42-0 drubbing of Duluth last week while North Gwinnett (3-1, 1-0) rallied from 21-points down to beat Collins Hill last week, 42-24. North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire said last week's rally was a microcosm of their season to this point. "We've been up-and-down. We've trailed in every game but we've also rallied in every game. We could be 4-0 or 0-4," Sphire said. "This is a team that has to battle for 48 minutes every time out. We don't have that knockout punch like in years past. But this group never quits." Last year's game between the two rivals was an instant classic. Both teams traded the lead early before the Hawks jumped out to a 22-point advantage in the third quarter. But the Bulldogs rallied behind their defense and special teams and Hayden Sphire threw five touchdown passes. "I don't know how we won that game but we did. It's a credit to the kids," Sphire said. But none of that matters now. The Hawks brought in former Etowah head coach Bill Stewart to take over the defense, and he has installed a 4-3 look that has improved with each new game. "Mill Creek has changed its defensive look so anything we got from last year doesn't mean much," Sphire said. "They are coming after the ball a lot better this year. It will be a challenge. While not quite on the scale as that comeback, the Bulldogs came from 21 points down in the first half against Collins Hill last week. It has been a pattern for sure. North Gwinnett trailed McEachern 21-7 early and scored with :08 left to knock off the then-No. 1-ranked Indians. They lost in a close game to North Cobb (36-29) but also had to rally from behind in a win over Hillgrove (28-21). "I just think that's the character of this team," Sphire said. "They have to work hard for everything they get but they have a knack of finding ways to win." Jarvis said it's easy to look at the offensive numbers and expect another fireworks show. He said the key will be who can stop the other. "Last year their defense made two huge stops in the fourth quarter and that was the difference," Jarvis said. "I think it will be the same this year. Both offenses will get some points. Who wins it will be the team that gets the key stops or forces the big turnover." North Gwinnett's defense and special teams sparked last week's comeback, getting a blocked punt and an interception return for touchdowns, while the special teams recovered a fumble at the Collins Hill 1-yard line to set up another score. North Gwinnett has been paced by senior quarterback John Urzua, who has thrown for 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Junior receiver Josh Imatorhbebe leads the Bulldogs with 27 catches for 500 yards and six touchdowns. The Hawks offense is led by senior Daniel David, who is a dual threat on every play. But it's their ground attack that is devastating with nearly 1,000 yards on the season already. David has passed for 502 yards (39-of-66) with two touchdowns and rushed for another 230 yards and two scores. Senior running backs Johnathan Hawkins (51-406, 4 TDs, 8.1 avg) and Brian Efianayi (44-264, 3 TDs, 6.0 avg) give the Hawks one of the best rushing attacks in the state. "Honestly, I'll be surprised if we stop them much," Sphire said. "They are really clicking on offense. They look like a freight train on film. And David is as good a quarterback as you'll ever see in high school. "We have our work cut out for us. But our defense has come up with some big plays when we needed them." "We would like to control the game with our running attack but we'll have to mix it up," Jarvis said. "I'm sure they know that. It should be a great game again." NORTH GWINNETT at MILL CREEK -- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday -- WHERE: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton -- RADIO: WDUN 550 AM -- NORTH GWINNETT (3-1, 1-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): Beat Collins HIll 42-24 last week. -- MILL CREEK (2-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): Beat Duluth 42-0 last week. -- NOTABLE: North Gwinnett leads series 8-0. The Bulldogs won 50-47 last year. ... Expect another shootout similar to last year's wild affair. Both offenses are putting up big numbers again this season. The Hawks are averaging 35.5 ppg behind QB Daniel David while the Bulldogs are averaging 37.3 ppg behind QB John Urzua. ... David is just seven TD passes short of the Mill Creek record of 35 held by John Russ (2009-11). ... Mill Creek led all of Class AAAAAA in scoring in 2013 and are 15-5 since 2012 when scoring 35 or more points. However, two of those losses came vs.North Gwinnett. ... The Bulldogs are 26-2 when scoring 28 or more points since 2012. ... It could come down to the final possession or whichever team is able to force the most turnovers. ... The Hawks did not make the playoffs last year and lost two region games by a total of four points. They will need to find a way to slow down the top teams. In their four region losses in 2013, they allowed 38 ppg. ... A win for Mill Creek would put the Hawks at .500 as a program. They are 55-56 in now their 11th season.

Jeff Hart Sports Reporter