Cambridge 21, Johns Creek 14 (Oct. 31)
Cambridge earned a statement win at home on a Halloween Saturday afternoon by ending Johns Creek's dominance in Region 7-6A play with a 21-14 win. Johns Creek (3-3, 3-1), the two-time defending 7-6A champs, entered the game having won its prior 19 region contests and won the region 3 out of the last 4 years.
The Bears (3-4, 2-2) kept Johns Creek off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter and came away with three turnovers and a blocked punt.
The Cambridge Defense played outstanding leading with Bennett Long's interception on the Gladiator's first play on offense. Huge plays made on the field by defensive players Luke Ritter, Bennett Long, Luke Kramer, Graham Browning, Ethan Smith, and Ryan Counts to name a few kept Johns Creek scoreless through three quarters.
The Bears Offense also looked strong with great play up front by the offensive line led by senior Jackson Morley. The crew of Morley, Cameron Phillips, Mathew DuBois, Gabe Chigwere, and Tommy Broderick allowed running back Phillip-Michael Collins to lead the rushing attack for the Bears.
Cambridge opened the scoring in the second quarter with a touchdown run from sophomore Jack Marlow. The Bears extended their lead to 14-0 in the final minute of the first half with a touchdown run from Phillip-Michael Collins. The drive was set up by an interception from Cambridge senior cornerback Ryan Counts.
Another Johns Creek turnover led to another Cambridge score in the fourth quarter. The Bears recovered a Gladiators fumble, and on the first play of the fourth quarterback Zach Harris connected with Hayden Gardella for a 77-yard touchdown to extend Cambridge's lead to 21-0.
Johns Creek did not roll over, though. Scoring two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to stay with in reach of the Bears lead.
The Gladiators' comeback bid ultimately fell short, however. Cambridge held on for the upset win in the final two minutes to break the Gladiators win streak that began on their opening region game of the 2018 season.
(article excerpt from Joe Parker, Milton Herald)