OAKWOOD — West Hall entered Friday's game knowing full well it could depend on its defense and special teams. What the Spartans wanted was an offensive spark.
Step forward Michael Thompson.
The West Hall quarterback had some help -- including an impressive touchdown catch from Jeremiah Prather -- but Thompson rushed for 133 yards and connected on two scoring passes to help lead the Spartans past Chestatee 28-14 in the two teams' region opener in Oakwood.
Thompson's 133 were part of a big rushing night for the Spartans, who rolled up 317 yards on the ground -- including 174 in the first half, as the Spartans (5-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAAA) pushed in front 21-0.
Cooper Adams hauled in a 12-yard scoring pass and Austin Sinclair ripped off a 29-yard touchdown run to help West Hall to a 14-0 first quarter advantage.
Thanks to a determined West Hall defense, the War Eagles (4-3, 0-1) could not get back into the game until late, as Chestatee rushed for just 65 yards in the first half. The War Eagles ended with 189 yards on the ground, including 72 yards on three carries for Christian Charles. But Charles' 60-yard scoring jaunt made it 28-7 with only 8:35 remaining. Nick Lyles added a 97-yard touchdown pass to pull within 28-14 with 3:13 remaining. But the Spartans were not about let their lead slip.
Chestatee will look to bounce back next week against Blessed Trinity in Gainesville.
West Hall travels to face Marist next week.
