The game that is circled on any Cobb County football fan's calendar is McEachern/Marietta. Before the 2020 reclassification, the teams used to be region rivals, with both in 3-7A. McEachern is now in 2-7A, but the rivalry between the teams remains.
The Indians had won 11 of the last 12 meetings between the schools, including 2019 when the Blue Devils were crowned 7A state champs. Both programs had rebuilding seasons last year and it was anyone's guess what 2021 held for either team. Expectations were high on both sides as fans poured into Northcutt Stadium for the 7:30 kickoff last night.
After winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, the Indian defense was the first on the field. Marietta's senior QB, Tyler Hughes, marched his team down the field, chewing up yards with a fast-paced attack of runs and passes. The McEachern defense had a difficult time in transition between the onslaught of plays being thrown at them. The Blue Devils capped the drive with a TD and PAT in less than three minutes of game time, 7-0.
McEachern answered on their first offensive possession with an impressive drive of their own. With no ground penetration to be found up the middle, QB Bryce Archie took to the air. Finding one of his favorite targets—senior receiver Kaleb Webb—open on the right sideline, Archie was able to extend plays and get to midfield. Faced with a 4th and 2, head coach Franklin Stephens elected to fake a punt to keep the drive alive. Two plays later, Archie threw a laser to Webb in the right corner of the west end zone to put the Indians on the board, 7-6.
Marietta was driving as the first quarter ended, and began the second quarter with a scoring drive from the 6-yard line to extend their lead to 14-6. Archie was motivated to answer, and the Indians worked their way down the field, thanks to accurate passes and yards after the catch by Webb. With the Blue Devil defense keying on Webb, junior receiver Savion West was getting single coverage. With West's speed and Archie's arm, the Indians were able to respond with a score of their own from the Marietta 40-yard line. A two-point conversion attempt was no good and the Indians had to settle for six points, 14-12.
Three more scores came in the eight minutes that remained in the first half: two for the Blue Devils and one for the Indians. The teams went into the halftime intermission with Marietta in control, 28-19.
The second half was all Marietta, as the Blue Devils seemingly scored at will against the Indian defense. Tyler Hughes was a machine, extending plays with his legs as well as finding open receivers while scrambling in the backfield. His only miscue was an interception late in the third quarter by the Indian defense. The turnover lit a spark on the McEachern sideline, but was soon extinguished by a turnover of their own on the Blue Devil 19-yard line.
The final score was 42-21, in favor of the home team. It became readily apparent that Marietta will be a team to watch as the season progresses. While the Indians had moments of brilliance, the Blue Devils balanced offensive attack and powerful defensive line made the difference in the game. McEachern's run game was non-existent in the first half, and Archie had to rely too heavily on Webb and West to keep his offense on the field.
McEachern hosts fellow Powder Springs rival Hillgrove next Friday at Cantrell Stadium. No doubt Coach Stephens will have his Indians ready for this local contest of 7A teams.
