Centennial edges Spartans in final minute

A festive atmosphere for coach Harris Rainbow’s first game at Campbell was celebratory all the way until the final minute of the game Friday night as Centennial spoiled the Spartans’ season opener with a 27-22 comeback win at Campbell Stadium.

The Spartans scored a pair of second quarter touchdowns to build a 14-0 lead, but watched as the Knights found the end zone on three of their next four possessions to take a 21-14 lead entering the final quarter.

Back came the Spartans, however, as quarterback Austin Green’s 1-yard scoring run, and subsequent 2-point conversion scamper put Campbell up 22-21 with 7:16 remaining.

The Knights didn’t quit, though, as they controlled the clock and maneuvered downfield to score the winning touchdown with under a minute to play. Quarterback Jimmy Meyer scored on a 1-yard sneak with 44 seconds left as the Knights were able to escape out of Smyrna with a 27-22 victory.

Green finished the night with 95 yards rushing and two scores and added another 72 yards passing through the air. Running back Darius Harris ran for 104 yards on 18 carries for the Spartans.

Elsewhere, the Whitefield Academy Wolfpack got their season started right with a 38-13 win at Walker. Smyrna-Vinings Patch will provide additional coverage of these games on Saturday. – Hunt Archbold

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