The Fighitin’ Irish of Aquinas held Laney scoreless in a 28-0 victory on Friday, Oct. 2.
“The two games we lost, we performed really bad on offense and that is on me 100%,” said Aquinas Coach James Leonard. “I am really proud of these guys bouncing back. We had a great week and the offensive line was amazing tonight and it was the best defensive performance of the year. It was an all around team win and I am really proud of my guys.”
Both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter as it was a defensive battle early.
Neither team would score until Aquinas sophomore Colin Nixon rushed for a 60-yard touchdown with five minutes remaining in the first half.
The momentum continued on the very next drive for the Fightin’ Irish as junior Elijah Hutchinson rushed in the two-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 14-0 at the half.
Special teams also played a big factor for Aquinas all night as senior punter Whit Hankinson pinned Laney inside the 10-yard line multiple times. Hankinson is not only the punter, but also a linebacker on defense.
“Whit is an amazing kid and two-way player,” said Leonard. “His punting kept us in great field position all night.”
An impressive sideline touchdown catch from Aquinas sophomore Mason Nixon extended the Irish lead to 21-0 in the third quarter.
Laney looked to be driving early in the fourth quarter, but Aquinas corner Jaelan Gibson intercepted the ball for a 99-yard touchdown, closing out the game 28-0.
Aquinas now moves to 4-2 on the season and will play at home versus Jefferson County in a region match on Friday, Oct.9. Laney is 2-4 and will play Josey on Oct. 10.
“We have to quit getting ahead of our self. We must come out and have a very physical hard week and I think we will,” Leonard said.
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. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
