The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Walton, down 13 points, defeats Norcross
Walton coach Daniel Brunner said it was all about perseverance, momentum and the willpower of his sophomore quarterback, Zak Rozsman.
That was his description after Walton overcame a 13-point deficit in the final eight minutes to win 21-20 against Norcross in the second game of the Corky Kell Classic at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“He’s a special kid, man,” Brunner said. “He is a special quarterback and is a phenomenal leader of this team. He willed us down the field and got us in the end zone. His leadership means a lot to us.”
Norcross led 20-7 after two Kellen Grave de Peralta field goals in the fourth quarter, but it was the last offensive production the Blue Devils mustered.
Walton’s comeback began with a two-play drive, capped by an 82-yard pass from Rozsman to Julian Bumper, with 7:03 left in the game. Following a Norcross punt and 15-yard penalty, Walton then drove 26 yards — all runs — and scored on a 2-yard touchdown run by K.D. Stokes with 3:10 left to take the 21-20 lead.
Norcross’ final drive ended at the Walton 28-yard line, which forced Grave de Peralta to attempt a career-long 44-yard field goal. His miss sent Walton into the victory formation as time expired.
Rozsman was 9-of-18 passing for 192 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
“That was probably the craziest game I have ever experienced,” Rozsman said. “We were down, but we all stayed fine and kept our spirits up going into halftime. We knew we were in control, and we knew we were going to come back. We all just stayed together as a team and executed.”
Stokes finished with 92 yards on 22 carries and scored a touchdown. Jalen Garner led with 10 tackles, a game-high. Norcross’ Kaplan was 9-of-15 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown.