MATCHUP SPOTLIGHT: Archer at Mill Creek
Gwinnett County has produced many of the state's top football programs, but there is a new breed of schools making their name as not only the county's finest but also the state's best.
Only 16 miles separate Mill Creek and Archer, but they will square off for the first time in their school's history Friday night at Markham Field.
Although the two teams played to a 14-14 tie in a scrimmage game back in August, neither team showed much on either side of the ball making this matchup a true first time occasion. In what shapes up to be one of the most intriguing quarterfinal matchups in the state, the bright lights in Hoschton will play host to an incredible array of individual and team talent.
Bolstered by their ground attack, Mill Creek enters the game unblemished and hardly tested. They average just under 39 points per game, with a 31.5 margin of victory over 12 games. The team has also won every game by at least 24 points except their heavyweight bout against Peachtree Ridge (20-17 OT win).
The Hawks offense is lead by a pair of running backs who have a knack for finding the end zone. Joe Thomas leads
the team with 706 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns, while Daniel Leconte has added 580 yards on the ground (4.7 yards per carry) and 13 scores. Quarterback Cameron Turley has thrown for 1912 yards and 15 touchdowns, while only tossing three interceptions. His 58 percent completion percent and ability to take care of the football has been a nice compliment to their power run game.
Look for the Hawks to try and establish their running game early in the game. They average almost 35 rushes per game, and if they can get Thomas and Leconte going it will open up the passing game for Turley.
Archer's offense is a stark contrast to that of their opponent. They too have a power run game, but their offense is marked by balance. Running back Jamyest Williams is having an exceptional year with 1249 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and 23 touchdowns. He has accounted for six 100-yard rushing games and is always a threat to beat a team on the ground. His eight receptions on the year also make him a pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
Speaking of pass catching, the Tigers display one of the premier wide receivers in the entire country. Five-star prospect Kyle Davis leads the team in receptions (47) and receiving yards (773). His big 6-foot-2, 218-pound frame gives opposing defensive backs nightmares. Davis has six touchdowns on the year and is a deep threat at all times during the game. Quarterback Will Bearden has quietly turned in a stellar senior season. He is completing 69 percent of his passes and has racked up 2430 yards, 23 touchdowns and has only thrown three interceptions.
The Tigers will attempt to have balance with Williams and Bearden. The key for them will be to ground and pound early in the game to set up the play-action passing game. If that happens, they will surely take some deep shots to Davis.
Key Matchup: Archer offense vs. Mill Creek defense
Mill Creek displays one of the premiere defensive units in the entire state allowing a mere seven points per contest. Their numbers are off the charts accumulating 17 interceptions and 62 sacks this season. Linebacker Micah Bull has proven to be the leader in the middle racking up 86 total tackles and two fumble recoveries. Tyler Vernon has shown unprecedented pass-rushing ability with his team-leading 16 sacks from his defensive end position. Also, defensive back Kishawn Miller leads the team with four interceptions and will have his work cut out for him with the talent at wide receiver from Archer.
The Tigers ability to beat team's running the ball and through the air have made them one of the best offensive teams in Georgia this season. While most of the attention will be paid to Davis, Bearden will need to look to seniors Aramis Bryant (21 receptions, 518 yards, eight touchdowns) and Dylan Singleton (22 receptions, 313 yards, four touchdowns) in the passing game. With the size advantage that Davis displays over the corners from Mill Creek, Bearden should take some downfield shots to him even if he is double covered. Establishing the presence of Williams running the ball will not only give him confidence, but it will also give the team a lift and prove they can score on this stout defense.
Prediction: Mill Creek 21, Archer 17
Mill Creek (12-0)
- Won Region 7-AAAAAA
- Beat Northview 46-13 (First Round) and Newnan 44-14 (Second Round)
- State Titles: none
- Best Finish: Elite 8 in 2010 and 2012
- Last Season: 7-4 (Lost to Grayson in the First Round of the state playoffs 24-6)
- First Season: 2004
Archer (11-1)
- Second in Region 8-AAAAAA
- Beat Etowah 40-17 (First Round) and McEachern 24-21 (Second Round)
- State Titles: none
- Best Finish: State Runner-Up in 2014
- Last Season: 11-4 (Lost to Colquitt County in the State Championship Game 28-24)
- First Season: 2009