Georgia Elite Classic: Middle School Nationals 32, Middle School Americans 12

The Middle School National Team (red) won the first game at the Georgia Elite Classic 32-12 over the American Team (blue) on Sunday at Rome’s Barron Stadium and it did it in a multitude of ways. The Nationals scored in nearly all facets of the game to secure the victory.

The Nationals took a 12-0 lead after the first quarter on touchdown runs by Stephens County athlete Javin Gordon on a 9-yard run and by Couch Middle cornerback Jaylen Bell on a fumble returned 10 yards for a touchdown. The Americans scored on a 43-yard interception return by Banks County running back Jaiden Daniels with 11:48 left in the second quarter, but Gordon put the Nationals up 18-6 on a 3-yard touchdown run with 3:36 left before half. At the end of the third quarter, Blessed Trinity quarterback Brooks Goodman put the Nationals up 24-6 on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Lewis.

Blessed Trinity tight end Aidrian Forbes caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Bremen quarterback Mason Mims with 3:33 left in the game to give the Red Team a 32-6 lead. Daniels caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Carrollton quarterback John Robert Harris with 2:10 left in the game but time ran out for the American team.

Gordon had eight carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns to lead the National team on the ground. Bowdon back Luke Windom had five carries for 48 yards, including a 27-yard scamper. Mims was 4-of-10 passing for 66 yards and one touchdown. Goodman was 1-of-3 passing for nine yards and a touchdown. Lewis had two receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. Forbes had one reception for 17 yards and a touchdown and Nick Richardson made two receptions for 18 yards. Fort Valley kicker Peyton Joseph averaged 26.8 yards per kick on six kicks. On defense, Freedom linebacker Dylan Torrico made three solo tackles and one tackle for loss. Gordon also had three tackles and one for a loss.

Harris was 1-of-4 passing for 67 yards and one touchdown for the Americans. Mossy Creek wide out Kory Pettigrew caught two passes for 17 yards and Daniels had one reception for 67 yards and a touchdown. Marist kicker Jude Cascone kicked off three times and averaged 42.3 yards per kick. On defense, Commerce’s Jacari Huff led with five solo tackles with one assist. Commerce defensive tackle Jeremiah Mintz made four tackles, one for a loss, with one sack. Whitefield running back Charles Sharpe made three tackles and three assists. Daniels had three tackles and one for a loss.

For full stats on this game follow the LINK.

Go HERE to watch the afternoon games.