In their second consecutive season opener broadcast on national television, the Carrollton Trojans put together a 24-14 road win over the ranked Woodward Academy War Eagles.
A large part of the winning effort was junior wide receiver Peyton Zachary, who caught two touchdown passes in the first quarter. Zachary finished the game with a team-leading 56 yards receiving on three catches.
Between Zachary, Kimauri Farmer and Messiah Satterwhite, Carrollton also rushed for 211 total yards, including a 103-yard game for Satterwhite.
On defense, linebacker Kadan Spratling led the way with five total tackles (four solo) with two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. Defensive lineman Jacob Ricks had the most tackles for a loss with three.
The final score may not indicate it, but the Trojans faced adversity early in the game.
The Trojans' first drive stalled on a botched punt attempt, and Woodward Academy took an early 7-0 lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Landon Walker to Blake Stewart.
Carrollton quarterback Julian Lewis threw and interception on the ensuing possession, and Woodward Academy had an opportunity to add to their lead.
However, the Trojan defense forced a Woodward punt, and Carrollton scored on their next two possessions with receiving touchdowns for Zachary of 19 and 30 yards, respectively.
Despite the interception, Lewis finished the night completing nine of 15 passes for 126 yards and three scores.
At the end of the first quarter, Carrollton led 14-7.
The Carrollton defense forced another War Eagle punt after the start of the second quarter, and Carrollton's offense was quick to take advantage.
On a flea-flicker trick play, Lewis found Ryan Mosley for a 32-yard touchdown. Carlos Hernandez's extra point made it a 21-7 Trojan lead.
Woodward Academy constructed their longest drive of the night in the second quarter—a 14-play, 80-yard drive that ate 7:42 off the clock. Walker connected with Josiah Abdullah for a three-yard touchdown pass to ultimately make it a 21-14 game at the half.
Carrollton's defense forced a shutout of the War Eagles in the second half, and after an 11-play, run-heavy drive, Hernandez hit a 26-yard field goal to expand the Carrollton lead to two possessions, 24-14, which was the final score.
Carrollton maintained their spot at No. 2 in Georgia High School Football Daily's rankings in Class 6A, and they are ranked as high as No. 1 in other rankings.
The Trojans will be at home this week for the first time to take on the Columbia Eagles (0-1). Kickoff is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.