FLOWERY BRANCH — One program's loss is another's gain.
Due to a COVID-19 outbreak at Mill Creek, the Hawks' game with Parkview, scheduled as part of the 29th Corky Kell Classic, has been canceled. As a result, that game will not be broadcast on Peachtree TV.
Now, Peachtree TV has picked up the Flowery Branch-St. Pius game scheduled for Friday at Falcons Field.
Kickoff is now slated for 8:30 p.m.
Falcons coach Ben Hall said they are looking forward to being in the annual event.
"The Corky Kell is an event that people in our state look forward to as the kickoff to the season," Hall said. "We are proud to be able to help the event by filling in."
In a video interview before the game was picked up by Peachtree TV, Hall and senior offensive lineman Daniel Tulk discussed the Golden Lions along with the excitement of getting on the field against an opponent for the first time since last November.
-- WHEN: 8:30 p.m.
-- TICKETS: Presale only at the school
-- WHERE: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
-- ST. PIUS X (0-0, Region 5-5A): Season-opener, 6-6, second round Class 4A playoffs in 2019
-- FLOWERY BRANCH (0-0, Region 8-4A): Season-opener, 7-4, 1st rd Class 4A playoffs in 2019
-- COVID PROTOCOLS: Masks and temperature check required for entry. Concession will be available.
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two programs. ... The Falcons have established themselves as a hard-nosed defensive team the last two seasons but are coming into the 2020 campaign with some question marks in the secondary, though they should be stout with seniors Christian Johnson, Clay Anderson, Davieyon Stephens, and Anthony Menjivar anchoring an experienced line. ... The Golden Lions, who run a heavy option attack, return the bulk of a young offensive group that managed to get into the 2nd round despite averaging just 15.2 ppg in 2019. ... The Falcons offense also should be able to improve on last year’s group that averaged 26.9 ppg overall but just 16.2 ppg over their final five games in 2019. Look for the Falcons to lean on All Access 11 RB Jaizen Ellingham (1,057 yards, 15 TDs in 2019) for ball-control.
