Second season of covering HS Football: Game 1

Creekview rolls past Etowah in season opener

Chris Drummond Tribune Sports Writer

CANTON -- Costly mistakes gave Creekview short fields to work with as it grabbed the season-opening win in dominant fashion, beating Etowah 42-7 on Friday at the Grizzly Den. Etowah quarterback Braden Bohannon had an early pass tipped into an interception, which set up the first scoring drive for Creekview (1-0).

On a gutsy call made by Grizzlies coach Trevor Williams of the Grizzlies, he went for it on fourth-and-12, which resulted in a touchdown pass thrown by Mason Hicks to Michael Roach to get Creekview on the board. It was the first of four touchdown passes for Hicks on the night. Creekview running back Tyler Stevens ran and caught a touchdown pass in the first half as the Grizzlies went ahead 28-0 at halftime.

Etowah (0-1) had more penalty yards (45) than it had passing yards (34) in the first half. The night was capped off with Grizzlies defensive back Ty Huber intercepting a pass from Etowah backup quarterback Heck Dawson, taking it 44 yards for a score. Hicks finished with 148 yards, four touchdowns and no turnovers. "It all revolves around our offensive line," Hicks said. "Guys making plays for me, and when we're all clicking, we're pretty good."

Williams talked about being solid in all three phases of the game, and how proud he was of his senior quarterback.

"We executed in all three phases of the game, as we should," Williams said. "I thought the lack of turnovers by us was key, and my quarterback played sensational. I'm so happy for that guy because he's been battling injuries, and he played well tonight."

Third-string Etowah quarterback Jack Strickland completed a 74-yard pass to DJ Bailey late in the game to avoid the shutout.

Creekview will enjoy a bye as it has two weeks to prepare for Woodstock. Etowah will play open its home schedule with a non-region game against Forsyth Central next week.