Seventh grader leads HCMS Braves to huge win over Red Devils

The HCMS Braves behind an unbelievable performance from 7th-grader Carlton White went on the road Thursday and defeated the Bowdon Red Devils 38-32 in the first round of the West Georgia Athletic Conference playoffs.

The win was one of the biggest in middle school history as not only had the Red Devils knocked off the Braves 28-21 two weeks ago they had also taken five of the last six in the series. Carlton White impressed on offensive with one of the best performances ever seen on the middle school gridiron.

White rushed for 387 yards and four touchdowns and also converted on two 2-pt. conversion attempts. Jonta Gray added another touchdown and 2-pt. conversion.

7th-Grader Carlton White rushed for 387 yards and 4 TD’s for the Middle Braves

Defensively Dylan Langley, Conner Moon, and Gray led the way with multiple tackles.

The Braves will now travel to Bremen Thursday to battle the Blue Devils in the championship game. Bremen defeated Villa Rica 28-14 Thursday. The Braves and Devils met earlier this season at Heard Middle school with the Braves winning 27-8.

“This was one heck of a ball game,” Coach Allen Sikes said after the game. “Our guys battled hard for all four quarters today. Several players changed positions this week and we responded well after a great week of practice.”

The game was an exciting see-saw battle for all the fans in attendance. The Red Devils led 6-0 at the end of first quarter before a barrage of scoring by both teams during the second and third quarters when the two teams combined for 64 points.

The Devils relied on their two running backs for most of the day and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. The Braves rode the back of White who averaged over ten yards per carry. Quarterback Trey Alford did a great job managing the offense.

Trey Wiggins was also instrumental in the win. The eighth grade kicker converted all three of his PAT’s which proved crucial as the Devils were unsuccessful on two-point conversions after their first three touchdown drives.

The entire middle school was fired up for the clash with their biggest rivals and it showed big time at their pregame pep rally in the school gymnasium Thursday afternoon.

Cheer coach Terrie Sikes organized a very entertaining mock ESPN College Gameday skit which was very well received by the kids in all three grades 6th-8th. The eighth graders won the prize spear for showing the most enthusiasm at the pep rally.

Thursday’s championship game at Bremen will kickoff at 4:30 pm. To see more photos from the game visit www.facebook.com/bravenation.