FORT OGLETHORPE — Everyone involved with North Hall football knew all too well about the one stat hanging over Trojans football.
On Friday the Trojans ensured that they will never hear of that stat again -- save for the fact that they destroyed it.
North Hall stormed past Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe for a 41-6 victory in the first round of the Class 3A bracket, earning the program's first ever road state playoff win.
"It's a weight that's definitely nice to let go of," said North Hall coach David Bishop, who has been with the program as assistant and head coach since 2001 -- a stint that includes two state semifinal runs (all coming on the strength of home victories). "We had talked about it since coach (Bob) Christmas was here, and we were so frustrated that we didn't get it before. But this great for the kids. Seniors like Daniel Jackson have played for four years and were 0-3 in the playoffs until tonight, and to finally get a win and make history doing it is pretty special."
Despite the final score the Trojans (9-2) worked for their success, churning out 313 yards rushing on 51 carries against a Fort Oglethorpe defense that forced North Hall to drive the ball consistently. Yet North Hall was up to the task, scoring 20 points in the first half en route to a lead it would not yield.
"We knew we would have to fight for yardage," Bishop said. "They did not give up any big plays. And on defense we had to play assignment football, and they did nove the ball a little on the first drive but nothing really after that until late in the game."
Meanwhile, Jackson, JT Fair, Drew Faulkner and David Seavey combined to keep chewing up yardage for the Trojans. Fair paced the visitors with 129 yards and two scores on 10 carries. Jackson added 68 yards and a score, while Faulkner had 55 yards. Seavey also rushed for 42 yards and completed 2 of 5 passes for 25 yards and a touchdown pass to Fair.
Fair's 36-yard touchdown run pushed North Hall in front just minutes into the contest before a pair of Seavey scores -- a 1-yard run and a 15-yard pass to Fair -- gave the Trojans a commanding halftime advantage.
Thanks to a disciplined North Hall defense it would be plenty, as the Trojans yielded just 108 yards -- all rushing -- to Fort Oglethorpe.
Now North Hall will travel to face No. 2-ranked Cedar Grove in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.
"Look at Class 3A as a whole and tell me what team left is no good -- there isn't one," Bishop said. "There's no easy bracket, and you have to look at this as an opportunity or an obstacle. We've played the No. 5 and 8 teams in the state and hung with them, so that definitely gives us some confidence."
Friday's result won't hurt with that either.
