Peachtree Ridge Routs Norcross, 41-14

Updated 7:46 a.m., Oct. 15, 2011

took a strong step toward a playoff spot Friday night by taking a 41-14 victory over region foe Norcross in Suwanee.

After leading 27-7 at halftime, the Lions got a TD from QB Billy Best on a 3-yard run and a pass/run of 22 yards from Best to Joe Horn in the third quarter. Norcross tacked on a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"That's what you're trying to get accomplished," Peachtree Ridge coach Mark Fleetwood said of his team playing its best late in the season. "The early games are to build momentum.

The win gives the Lions a 4-0 record in Region 7-AAAAA, with three games left. The top two teams in the region go on to the state playoffs. Norcross fell to 5-2 and 2-2 in the region.

With North Gwinnett's win over Mountain View, the Lions and Bulldogs remain tied for the region lead. The Suwanee teams are scheduled to meet in the season finale Nov. 4 at North.

The Lions used the receiving of Horn, the passing of Best and the running of Diandre Atwater to take an early lead, then they stormed from behind. Horn caught a 75-yard scoring pass from Best on the Lions' first play from scrimmage. Then Horn caught a 51-yard pass from Best that led to the Lions' third TD of the first half.

Best had 224 yards passing in the first half alone.

Atwater scored on runs of 6, 32 and 1 yards for Peachtree Ridge, all in the second quarter. The Lions missed three conversion attempts, two on two-point plays. A Best pass to Ahmaad Harris covering 27 yards set up Atwater's third score.

Norcross' first score came on 7-yard run by Myles Autry with 7:17 to play in the first quarter. A 70-yard run by Alvin Kamara was the key play in the drive for the Blue Devils, giving them a 7-6 lead after the first quarter.

Also, the Lions blocked a Norcross punt in the end zone with 0:51 to play in the half for a safety.

Next week Peachtree Ridge hosts Duluth, while Norcross plays at Meadowcreek.

"We've won two big ones in a row," Fleetwood said. "Weve got to keep our thoughts right on what we've got to get done."

Region 7-AAAA Standings

(Through Oct. 14, 2011)

Team          All Games          Region        

North Gwinnett         6-1            4-0

Peachtree Ridge      6-1            4-0

Norcross                 5-2            2-2

Mountain View         1-6             1-3

Collins Hill               3-4             2-2

Duluth                     4-3              2-2

Mill Creek                4-3             1-3

Meadowcreek          0-7             0-4