North Gwinnett kicks off football playoffs with convincing win
SUWANEE — North Atlanta made an early push to erase a 14-point deficit, but North Gwinnett had an answer every time in the first round of the Class AAAAAAA state football playoffs on Friday. The Bulldogs pulled away for a 53-28 victory Friday night at home to advance to a second-round home game against Westlake North's high-powered offense found the end zone throughout the night, building a 39-21 halftime lead before adding two more touchdowns in the second half to secure the victory. “Coach (Todd) Faulkner and our whole offensive staff just do such a great job in having the guys prepared,” North Gwinnett coach Eric Godfree said. “Our offensive line blocked well and the receivers were side-blocking so well. A lot was available tonight. Just great preparation all the way around for the offense.” Although North Gwinnett (10-1) jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter, North Atlanta (6-5) quickly responded with two touchdowns of its own to even the score. Bryce Willingham sparked the Warriors' comeback with a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-7. However, the Bulldogs' struggles with ball security gave North Atlanta another opportunity to capitalize. On the
