Peachtree Ridge hosts Hillgrove in state football opener
Peachtree Ridge’s success early in the football season not only brought a state playoff berth, but also a first-round home game Friday against Hillgrove. The Lions, who started 6-0, have lost three of four, though all three were to state playoff teams — No. 4 seed Brookwood, No. 6 North Gwinnett and No. 29 Norcross. It eked out a 40-34, double-overtime win over Duluth to avoid a four-game losing streak. Both of the past two games — the win over Duluth and the loss to Brookwood — were played without starting quarterback Zain Belfield. Despite last week’s setback against Brookwood, the Lions got standout defensive play from R.J. Parks (13 tackles, two for losses, two sacks), Britt Finley (13 tackles) and Donovan Macombe (10 tackles). Cayden Macon was a bright spot on a slow offensive night with four catches for 56 yards. Manny Jimenez made his only field goal attempt, a 45-yarder, and punted seven times for a 39.4-yard average. Hillgrove closed its regular season a hot streak with four straight victories with two over state playoff teams, No. 23 Harrison and No. 27 North Atlanta. Class AAAAAAA First Round Hillgrove Hawks (3-AAAAAAA) Coach: Justin DeShon Record: 7-3 Seed: No.
