War Eagles soar past ‘Dogs on Davenport

Published 10:39 pm Friday, August 30, 2024

An overmatched GMC Prep football team watched the visiting Brentwood War Eagles take flight Friday.

Brentwood (3-0) carried a 34-0 lead into halftime and later left Milledgeville with a 41-0 victory.

Playing on their home field for the first time this regular season, the Bulldogs (0-3) were unable to put their best foot forward as seven starters missed the game due to previously sustained injuries.

“We did everything we could, honestly. That’s all I can say,” a somewhat defeated GMC Prep head coach Gavin Tierce said postgame while the Bulldog Brigade Band blared the school’s alma mater.

From the other sideline, second-year head coach Adam Lord was happy with what he saw from his players against an opponent that has given Brentwood competitive matchups the last two seasons. Lord and his staff had several milestones they wanted the team to hit when it came to penalties committed (the Eagles had only three), turnovers, and points allowed. Missions accomplished.

“I was really proud of the effort,” Lord said. “I got everybody in. Any time you go on the road and get your young kids in the game, it’s a big deal.”

The War Eagles further down the depth chart saw the field pretty much the whole second half thanks to the big early lead.

It didn’t take the visitors from Sandersville long to make an impression on the scoreboard. They were gifted an early turnover when junior defensive back Zyion Andrews skied for an interception on the third play from scrimmage. He reversed field and took it back for a touchdown, but the points were erased due to an illegal blindside block, though the turnover stood.

On the next snap at the GMC 28, Brentwood sophomore QB Baylor Cobb handed off to freshman Tristan Robinson who swept around the right end for a touchdown run. It was the first of two TDs on the night for the ninth-grader.

Robinson’s name was called again after the GMC offense went three and out. He fielded the ensuing punt and covered big yardage, winding up at the Bulldog 28 again. Two plays later, Cobb ran the football in from 7 yards out to make it 14-0 Brentwood five minutes into the game.

The score remained that way until about midway through the second period. The War Eagles, having started on their own 12 with 11 minutes before the half, ate up nearly six minutes of clock while holding on to the football. That drive ended with a 2-yard touchdown run by All-State running back Zach Denton who was able to score on fourth and goal to go. The past couple of years, he’s been Brentwood’s main weapon, one opponents could really key in on. This year the Eagles’ offensive attack is more diverse, as shown on their next drive when Cobb lofted a bomb up the left side for sophomore Quez Collins. He ran under it and into the south end zone for a 50-yard touchdown with under three minutes to play before halftime.

Robinson finished off his scoring night in the final minute. The only thing stopping Brentwood from making it 35-0 was Gonzalo Caballero who got back there and blocked the extra point for one of the few GMC highlights on the night.

A running clock due to the mercy rule made the second half move quickly. Lord’s reserves had a good defensive stand to keep the shutout intact early in the fourth.

Heading into Friday night’s ballgame, GMC Prep’s Tierce said Brentwood was the best team his players had seen this season. His opinion remained unchanged after the lopsided result.

“You will see them in the state championship game, mark my words,” said Tierce.

That’s certainly a result Lord’s Eagles would like to see. A down year by program standards in 2023 was preceded by three consecutive trips to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association Class AA finals, including a championship in ‘21.

Lord and Brentwood aren’t counting their Eagles before they hatch.

“It’s a long way away for us,” he said. “In this league, you’ve got to stay healthy because a lot of guys are playing both ways. We’re week to week right now just trying to get better.”

Brentwood goes to Lake Oconee Academy in Greensboro next Friday. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will be back at home facing 1-1 Taylor County.