WOLVES

from B1

The game’s turning point came in the first quarter, when Villa Rica was setting up for a field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10.

The kick was blocked by Jaylen Griffin, and Rome (6-2, 5-1 Region 7-5A) went on a 21-0 run to go up 35-7 at halftime.

“Our offense was already clicking, but I think that field goal block got things back for us,” Reid. “I think the kids kind of said, ‘OK we have to get down to brass tacks now and start getting tougher here.’”

The Wildcats (4-5, 3-4) did all they could, with star running back Elijah Fluker gaining only 44 yards on 15 carries.

They recorded 127 passing yards, most of those coming on a 95-yard touchdown pass from Noah Best to Phillip Zachary on their first play from scrimmage.

But Villa Rica’s biggest problem was stopping the Wolves’ offense, something it achieved once in the entire first half. Rome consistently won the game at the line of scrimmage, allowing Kadum and company to do what they wanted.

The Wolves started the game with a 1-yard score from Jamious, followed by a Kadum touchdown pass to Marquis Kirby. Sykes opened the second quarter with a blistering 66-yard touchdown run, and Rome didn’t look back from there.

“Our line kept getting a good push, and our offense kept finding the holes,” Jamious said. “As the season has gotten deeper and deeper, we’ve come together and played more as a team and as a family.”

Villa Rica simply looked lost in second quarter, struggling to gain positive yardage and avoid mistakes.

After Rome went up 28-7, the Wildcats fumbled the ensuing kickoff and lucked out only when the Wolves fumbled the ball into the end zone for a touchback.

The Wolves were just as determined in the second half, and Villa Rica was unable to get past midfield in the final two quarters. Rome put the finishing touches in the fourth quarter with a 77yard touchdown pass to Watkins and a 72-yard run from Jamious.

Rome plays again next week when it hosts East Paulding, while the Wildcats will finish their season next week at home against Cass.

And despite now being tied for the Region lead, Reid’s message to his team is the same as it was heading into Friday.

“We have to win out,” Reid said. “Nobody is in the playoffs, nothing has been decided, so you have to win out.” Includes: 2400 Branson 77” x 16’ Trailer 4’ cutter and 4’ Box Blade