DALLAS, Ga. — North Hall's Kevin Rochester was hard to tackle as the Trojans avenged last season's opening loss to Paulding County, 23-14, at Dave Hardin Stadium Friday.
The senior back rushed 22 times for 248 yards and one touchdown -- a 50-yard run seconds into the fourth quarter.
Bradford Puryear added the Trojans' first two scores -- a one-yard run with 8:15 to go in the second quarter. That score pushed the Trojans back in front, 10-7, after Paulding County's passing score early in the second quarter. Puryear's second touchdown happened late in the third quarter on a four-yard rush. At the time, the Trojans were up 16-7 with 4:58 left in the third frame.
Paulding's Brayden Mauldin connected with David Okoi for a 35-yard scoring strike with 1:35 remaining in the third quarter. The TD made it a two-point game, 16-14.
Mauldin passed for 201 yards on a 19-of-29 performance and two TDs. Okoi was his favorite target with 11 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown.
For North Hall, Puryear rushed for 54 yards on 10 attempts and two scores. The Trojans outgained Paulding County 346-254, holding the Patriots to 15 yards rushing on 16 attempts.
