ATHENS, Ga. — It wasn't pretty, but North Hall will take it.
The Trojans (7-2, 5-2 Region 8-4A) were penalized 11 times for 102 yards, lost two fumbles and tossed two interceptions, but were able to overcome en route to a 24-14 win over Cedar Shoals (4-6, 4-4 Region 8-4A) on Thursday night.
The win clinches a playoff spot for the Trojans, although the seeding depends on how Friday night and next week unfolds.
North Hall hosts East Forsyth to end the regular season next week.
As for Thursday, the Trojans struck first on a Parker Carlton two-yard run late in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead.
Cedar Shoals answered early in the second quarter when Kayden Scott scampered in from five yards out. The extra point tied the game, 7-7.
North Hall grabbed the lead for good on a Reyes 34-yard field goal with 1:14 remaining in the third quarter. Akim Reyes's field goal was followed by back-to-back fourth-quarter touchdown runs from Tate Ruth -- a four-yard with 9:09 to go and a 16-yard run with 1:42 to take a 24-7 lead.
Tanner Marsh led the Trojans' rushing attack with 95 yards on 14 carries. Marsh also completed 10-of-17 passes for 97 yards and two interceptions. Ruth rushed 16 times for 65 yards and two touchdowns and hauled in three passes for 32 yards. Carlton had 77 yards on 13 carries, and Ryals Puryear caught four passes for 50 yards.
Anthony Hubbard, who rushed for 96 yards on 11 carries for the Jaguars, added a late score to close the game, 24-14, with 36 seconds left.
