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Barrow News-Journal INSIDE THIS SECTION Award-winning local sports coverage •The Game Plan — 2B •Scouting Reports — 2B, 4B •First Sc Ten •Cheerleading — 9B — 12B September 21, 2016 Phone: 770-867-6397 Fax:706-621-4115 cbridges@barrowjournal. com Section B ★★★★ High School Football: Apalachee High School Ringing The Bell Wildcats rally to defeat Walnut Grove for first win since 2014 By Chris Bridges Sports Editor This time the Apalachee High School football team was not going to be denied. The Wildcats rallied for a fourth quarter touchdown and two-point conversion to defeat visiting Walnut Grove High School 14-13 last Friday. It was the first football victory for the AHS program since Oct. 31, 2014. The Wildcats did tie Union Grove High School earlier this season. When it was all said and done, the AHS players headed to the endzone to ring the victory bell, something many had said was a key goal for them during the 2016 campaign. “The big thing is we were in the game in the fourth quarter and gave ourselves an opportunity to make a play to win.” said Apalachee head coach Steve Sims, who recorded victory No. 1 since taking the reins of the Wildcat program prior to the 2015 season. “We didn't play that well offensively. When we scored in the fourth quarter. I thought we had a better chance to win the game then rather than going for overtime.” AHS scored its first touchdown Friday on a 94-yard run by Stephen Massillon. The run was close to Massillon’s program record from earlier in 2016. In the fourth quarter, trailing 13-6, the Wildcats used a touchdown pass from Ryan Miller followed by a two-point conversion pass to senior standout Ethan ‘This is a big deal...Being close is not good enough anymore. ’ - AHS coach Steve Sims Morris for the go-ahead points. “This is a big deal,” Sims said. “These kids have worked hard. I am so happy for them. We were tough on them during the week. We worked hard and went out and had things go our way. We were a little more determined to win. Being close is not good enough anymore.” Walnut Grove entered the game with some momentum after defeating Monroe Area, one of its county rivals, in its previ ous game. AHS meanwhile had to recover from a disappointing loss to Discovery High School. “To win the game and see them be able to enjoy it was nice,” Sims said. “I told them to enjoy it for about 24 hours. Hopefully, it will be a boost for us as we go back to work. I am mainly happy for our kids and for our student body and fans who come out and support us. Iam proud they have something to show for their work.” On paper, the Wildcats have a chance for another win this Friday when they host Monroe Area High School, although clearly Sims and the AHS coaches will not let the players be overconfident. See Wildcats on Page 9B BATTLING FOR POINTS Apalachee High School’s Ellie Alfonso (left) has been a key contributor for the Volley Cats. Taylor Bennett (33) (bottom right) battles at the net against Winder-Barrow High School’s Olivia Nelson- Ododa during last week’s region match. See inside today’s sports section for more volleyball coverage. Spotlight Apalachee High School Volleyball GATHER AROUND Apalachee High School volleyball coach Joey Alfonso, who has guided the Volley Cats to a high level of success in recent seasons, talks with his team during its matchup with county and region rival Winder-Barrow High School last week. Photos by Jessica Brown Cross Country: Wildcat Dash AHS boys, WBHS girls win Saturday By Cliris Bridges Sports Editor The Apalachee High School boys cross country team won its second meet of the season by earning first in the Wildcat Dash Saturday. The Wildcats compiled 52 points to edge sec ond-place finisher Clarke Central High School. Jackson County, Morgan County and Walnut Grove rounded out the top five in the varsity boys race. Wind- *AHS pays er-Barrow High School finished tribute to for- seventh overall. mer runner. Robert Bowers of AHS was — Page 9B the first local runner to finish the race, completing the course in 18:01.52, just ahead of Winder-Barrow’s Jake Martinez who had a time of 18:03.10. Bowers and Martinez were second and third, respectively. Fabian Martinez of AHS was fifth overall in 18:10.22 while teammate Juan Morales was 12th in 18:26.85. Freshmen Kevin Ellington (18:41.61) and Kyle Donahue (18:44.18) also had strong showings for the Wildcats. “The boys varsity continued to run well as a team,” said Apalachee coach Alex Holmes. ”Our :43 split was the best 1-5 split again this week. Robert Bowers ran a personal record time of 18:01. That was great to see. Our boys don’t have a true No.l runner. We just have a top 5-7 runners who are packing together and working hard at practice and making themselves better. Freshmen Kyle Donahue and Kevin Ellington both ran per sonal record times and are improving every week.” The WBHS Lady Bulldoggs, paced by sopho more Kacie Wilson, were the team winners in the varsity girls race while the AHS Lady Wildcats were second overall in the team standings. Wilson’s time of 20:30.02 was second only to Sophia West of Paideia during the Wildcat Dash Saturday. See Run on Page 2B High School Football: Winder-Barrow High School Bulldoggs look to cut down on mental mistakes against North Oconee WBHS tries to group after loss to Loganville By Cliris Bridges Sports Editor Visiting Loganville High School scored on its first four possessions to take control of Friday’s game with Winder-Barrow High School and the Red Devils never looked back on their way to a somewhat surpris ingly easy 41-7 win. Coming off a bye week, WBHS struggled to find its footing, throwing an inter ception and punting twice on its first three series. The Inside Today: •WBHS vs. North Oconee scouting report — Page 2B play, which really turned the game completely in Logan- ville’s favor, came on the fourth possession of the first half by Winder-Barrow. The Bulldoggs had moved into scoring position when Loganville intercepted a pass and raced all the way down the field for a touch down. “They have a very good football team," Bulldogg coach Heath Webb said. “We knew it would be a challenge and that we would have to play well to beat them. I don’t feel like they are 34 points better.” Several mental mistakes, also hurt the team. “We had far too many missed assignments and mental mistakes,” the coach said. “When you play against a good team, that will get you exposed.” See Bulldoggs on Page 3B NICE CATCH Deon Williams brings in a reception during last week’s game against Loganville. Photo by Jessica Brown