The Academy of Richmond County Musketeers earned their way into the Georgia High School AAA Football State Playoffs with a 28-14 win over Aquinas on Halloween.
This was the first time ARC has made the playoffs since their 10-2 season in 2020.
“All week long we talked about going 1-0 in reps and assignments and guys did that and came out and executed to a high level,” said ARC Coach Keenan Grissett.
Both offenses got out to a slow start as neither team scored in the first quarter. The Musketeers were able to force an interception, but it would be called back due to a penalty.
Aquinas quarterback Jack Rhodes was able to drive the Fightin’ Irish downfield and gain a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter after a 1-yard rushing touchdown from Elijah Hutchinson.
ARC quarterback Carson Hand answered with a drive of his own and a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Lo’than McBride. Kicker William Mohney converted the extra point to give the Musketeers a 7-6 with 9:26 remaining in the half.
Running back Marty Thomas helped extend the Musketeers lead to 14-6 after a 42-yard rushing touchdown midway through the second quarter.
After a 14-6 first half ARC lead, Thomas would add his second touchdown of the game on a 1-yard rush, making the score 21-6.
The Musketeers would continue their dominance on defense as well as score another touchdown after a short rush by Mykheal Smith.
Rhodes would connect for his first passing touchdown of the game, but it would be too
late in the fourth quarter as ARC walked away victorious 28-14.
“Ten is special,” Grissett said about Rhodes after the game. “We had one of our best guys spying him all night, and sometimes, we had to go double spy, and he was still able to make plays, but I am proud of my guys for accepting the challenge.”
With this win, ARC now advances to the playoffs. The date, time and opponent are to be announced.
“We need to let ’em go and enjoy this one on senior night,” Grissett said. “This senior group was my freshmen group, so we grew up together. I couldn’t be prouder of them. We need to enjoy this one, rest up over the weekend and get back it next week and whoever they put us up against, it is going to be a dogfight.”
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
