Facing an undefeated Johns Creek team was a tough enough task for last night, not to mention the 57-mile trip down, up and over interstates 75, 285 and 85 to the Gladiators’ home stadium.
All told, (3-0) built a big lead early on the way to a 35-13 win in Region 7-AAAA action despite being outgained by Cass 256 yards to 233.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Ethridge would account for both scores for the Colonels (0-3). The first came in the second quarter on a one-yard plunge to bring the difference to 14-7 after Guadalupe Rangel’s kick. His other touchdown came on the game’s only score in the fourth quarter courtesy of a 21-yard run.
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The Colonels had a chance to make a game of it in the third quarter, trailing 21-7 and driving deep in Gladiator territory before Johns Creek linebacker Matt Gorst picked off Ethridge and returned the ball 96 yards for the score.
On the night, Ethridge finished with 169 yards on 12-of-27 passing with two interceptions. He also led the Colonels in rushing with 73 yards on 12 attempts.
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Kelin Wells had 86 yards on four returns for Cass, while Justin Reed led the defense with six tackles.
Johns Creek got on the board first in the opening quarter via a 6-yard run by quarterback Skye Overton. The lead was extended in the second quarter on an 11-yard run by senior back Blake Storm, who paced the Gladiators’ rushing attack with 63 yards on 10 carries. An Overton-to-Bradon Fortin connection before the half gave the Gladiators a 21-7 cushion going into the locker room.
Overton tacked on a one-yard run in the third quarter after Gorst’s interception return, making the score 35-7. For the evening Johns Creek did the bulk of its damage on the ground with 215 yards rushing.