HARLEM — Aquinas High School football fought to earn its second region win of the season after defeating Harlem 12-7 at the Bulldogs home field Friday, Oct. 11.
This was both teams’ first game back after Hurricane Helene delayed high school football for two weeks in the CSRA.
“It feels great to get the win,” said Aquinas Coach James Leonard said. “I am very happy for community and happy for our kids.”
After a slow start to the game for the offenses, Harlem had the first opportunity to get in the endzone, but fell short on fourth down and one yard to go. Aquinas took over on offense at their own 2-yard line.
Neither team would score until Aquinas quarterback Jim Franklin connected with his favorite target in wide receiver Jack Rhodes for a 33-yard touchdown before the end of the first quarter. The Fightin’ Irish failed to convert the extra point, making the score 6-0.
Harlem would turn the ball over, giving the Irish another chance to score before the end of the first half. Aquinas would do just that, driving down field before running back Christian Kates rushed in the 1-yard touchdown. Franklin would throw an interception on the two-point conversion to make score 12-0 going into the second half.
The Bulldogs started their first drive of the second half strong but fumbled in scoring territory.
Neither team scored the entire third quarter and most of the fourth. Harlem fought down to the wire and looked to get back in the game after a 50-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Ronald Oliver. The Bulldogs did convert the extra point and were only down 12-7 with 2:27 left in the game.
Aquinas recovered the onside kick as Harlem only had one timeout. Jim Franklin ran than ball which looked to be stuffed, but he continued to move his legs and was pushed by the offense for the game securing first down.
“We feed off Jim, we know he is extremely tough and known that for a long time,” Leonard said. “To see them rally around each other and finish it like that when the game is on the line awesome.” When you lose a player like Jack Rhodes you just got to find a way and I am really proud of the way we did.”
Leonard also praised his defensive coordinator and the defense for holding Harlem to only seven points in the win.
“It starts with our defensive coordinator Tyler Beal. He does a phenomenal job every week, and he has been dealing with injuries on defense all year and still finds a way to stop people,” Leonard said. “I am really proud of our defensive backs. We are undersized at that position, but they play with a lot of heart and don’t give up and they did a great job tonight.”
Aquinas will be back at home next Friday against Baldwin on Oct. 18. Harlem will face off against undefeated Westside on Friday.
Christopher Rickerson, an Augusta University graduate, has covered area sports for Augusta University, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News newsletter here.
