North Cobb Shuts Down Centennial, 21-17

It didn’t take long for fans to lose enthusiasm and ultimately be silenced completely as the North Cobb Warriors rolled into town winning the game, 21-17.

The game's shocking start was a hint at the home team's ultimate derailing, when at the opening kickoff, North Cobb’s stellar wide receiver Jalen Williams returned the kick for a touchdown. A stunned Centennial crowd saw North Cobb take a 7-0 lead only 13 seconds into the game. 

The sour faces in the home crowd gave off the impression that Centennial fans were in for a long evening.

However, Centennial did get their offense rolling and were able to put together a nice drive early in the second quarter. North Cobb held Centennial at their 15-yard line, forcing senior kicker Connor Davis into action. A 30-yard field goal put the Knights within four points with just over nine minutes left in the first half making it 7-3.

A nice stop by the Knights forced North Cobb to punt with about eight minutes left in the half and Centennial’s quarterback Jimmy Meyer orchestrated a beautiful seven minute drive. Senior wide receiver Wade Francis caught a touchdown pass with 54 seconds left in the half. It appeared that Centennial would head into the locker room with a small 10-7 lead, but never challenge a team’s offense in the final minute of a half.

Warriors’ wide receiver Jalen Williams, who started the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown, caught a stellar pass from quarterback Ty Griffin. A Centennial crowd that just seconds earlier was elated, now appeared beyond deflated. North Cobb went into the locker room up 14-10. 

The Knights wouldn’t be held back after they stormed onto the field ready for the second half. Jimmy Meyer conducted a brilliant six minute, 65-yard drive, topping it off with an option play that led to a Centennial touchdown. With six minutes 30 seconds left in the third quarter, the Knights had reclaimed the lead 17-14.

The clocked ticked down and despite a valiant effort by North Cobb to drive down the field, Centennial defensive back Corey Grimes intercepted a North Cobb pass. With three minutes left in the game, it appeared Centennial might escape with the win. Obviously the memories of North Cobb’s drive to end the first half had been wiped from the minds of Centennial’s players, coaches and fans.

The Warriors were ready to take the lead for good.

Centennial was approaching midfield with just under three minutes to play in the game, and on the fourth and one, the Knights elected to go for it. That was changed in an instant on an illegal procedure penalty. Forced to punt the ball on fourth and six, the Knights were going to have to play tough defense to prevent another late drive by the Warriors. With two minutes left in the game, North Cobb running back Quinten James powered his way for a 15-yard touchdown run and the Warriors took the lead 21-17.

Despite all efforts to execute a final drive for the win, the Knights fell short after Jimmy Meyer was sacked twice to turn the ball over on downs. North Cobb took over with 30 seconds to play, took a knee and left the field victorious.

Centennial remains at home next week looking to regroup as they take on Carrollton High School at 7:30 p.m. North Cobb takes their big victory home as they take on fellow Cobb rival Lassiter also at 7:30 p.m.