Week 1 of the football season has come and gone in Paulding County, and four of the five local squads were in action this past weekend despite crazy weather and some struggles for the Spartans and the Patriots.
Kick back, relax and check out these recaps of how all the Paulding’s did this week, and Hiram too.
East Paulding opening the season
It is worth noting that the first team on this list (geographically speaking) hasn’t played yet, but has a big one coming up this Friday.
Crosstown rivals are facing off as the Raiders head to play against North Paulding on Friday to open their season. They have two more local rivals up after: the Aug. 30 home stand against Paulding County, then a short trip down the road to face Hiram in the Hornet’s Nest.
North Paulding at Parkview
A 17-6 win over Parkview on the road puts the Wolfpack in a good spot heading into Friday’s rivalry game with East Paulding.
The Panthers put up six during the opening quarter, then gave way to the Wolfpack defense who kept them scoreless throughout the rest of the season opener before adding a touchdown and field goal in the third quarter to cap off the night.
Five different running backs for North Paulding put 190 yards on the ground, and junior Tyler Niehr went 5-11 and 64 yards on the night, with an interception thrown. Junior James Skelly scored both of the Wolfpack touchdowns after putting up 11 carries for 105 yards.
No stats were immediately available for Parkview.
The Wolfpack have East Paulding at home on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Officials are hoping fans will buy tickets early and arrive before gametime to find parking and get in without issue after the gates open at 6 p.m.
Hiram at Paulding County
A longstanding rivalry just like here in Polk County continued, and the Hornets came out on top over the Patriots in a 48-41 victory this past week.
Hiram junior QB Ethan Lattimore put up 320 yards in passing off of a night where he went 15 for 19 in the air, throwing three touchdowns and an interception. Paulding’s Mason Bryant under center (a senior) nearly matched the effort, throwing 285 yards off of a 30-34 night, netting five touchdowns and an interception.
The Hornets were just a bit better, netting way more yards on the ground (301 to 89) and utilized the talents of Kaden Hamilton who had 11 carries for 173 yards and a touchdown on the night. His longest run was an 82 yard carry.
The Hornets host Eastside for a matchup with two squads coming into the game with victories. The Eagles opened their season with a 26-15 victory over Newton.
Dunwoody at South Paulding
The Spartans fell in 24-7 home opener hosting Dunwoody this past Friday.
Sadly, stats weren’t available for this one either but it is worth noting that the Spartans put up their only touchdown in the second, taking advantage of a recovered fumble by Lucas Hayes to drive down to Dunwoody’s turf.
Kade Wigginton put up an 11 yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Ford to cut the score to 7 before halftime.
The Wildcats struck back, adding a touchdown and a field goal in the third and fourth quarters.
South Paulding has no time to mourn the season opener, since they’ll be back in action on Friday at Allatoona in the latest non-region contest.
The Buccaneers are coming into this one after a close loss to Adairsville, so it should get interesting next to the lake this week.
