OAKWOOD — Don't look now, but West Hall football is fighting right back into the playoff picture.
While the Spartans still have to win out -- and possibly get some help -- they are looking very much like a squad up to the task after collecting their second straight Region 7-AAA win on Friday, knocking off Banks County 27-21 in Oakwood.
"The big thing is we're showing the life lessons we've learned as a program," said West Hall coach Tony Lotti, who saw his squad move to 4-5, 2-3 in Region 7-AAA with the win. "It would have been very easy for us to pack it in, but we kept fighting and believing, and now we'll see what happens."
The Leopards (5-4, 2-3) also needed the win in a four-team battle for two remaining playoff spots in 7-AAA -- Dawson County is the champion, East Hall second -- but could not find a way past a West Hall team that went through the air for big plays.
Getting his first start at quarterback Cameron Shirley took advantage of the opportunity, tossing three scoring passes -- one each to Malcolm Prather, Hykeem Bennett and Robbie Locklear.
"Cameron shows up to work every day; he's patient; he sets an example. He's waited for his opportunity, and now he's got it, and he's making the most of it," Lotti said.
Meanwhile, West Hall's Kwon Williams also picked off a pass and returned it for a touchdown.
The big plays offset Banks County's big plays through the air from Zez Steeple, who caught two touchdown passes.
The Leopards face a must-win next week against East Hall, while West Hall travels to Lumpkin County in the same situation. Franklin County and Fannin County will also battle as the other two teams in the midst of the playoff race in 7-AAA.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/10/346485/west-hall-continues-fightback-takes-out-banks-county