POWDER SPRINGS — On Friday, Walton’s (4-1) offense led the way to a 52-35 region-opening win over Hillgrove (1-5).

Of the Raiders’ ten possessions, their first eight resulted in points in an offensive shootout.

Both teams racked up yards inside Hillgrove Stadium on Friday night. Walton amassed over 500 yards of offense while Hillgrove put up over 400 yards.

Walton’s star running back, Sutton Smith, accounted for two touchdowns and a completed 2-point conversion.

Zak Rozsman threw a 67-yard touchdown and ran for a 1-yard touchdown on consecutive Walton drives to open the game. Nate Lyons caught the first Walton touchdown of the game to begin their high-scoring outburst that wouldn’t stop until late in the fourth quarter.

Lucien Michelin booted a field goal to expand the Raiders’ lead to 17-points to close the first half. Braylen Stokes opened the second half with a running touchdown for the Raiders.

Jeremy Hecklinski threw for a Raider touchdown to Hunter Teal in the third quarter, and Mustafa Hefner ran for one to cap off Walton’s offensive output.

Chase McCravy threw for three Hillgrove touchdowns throughout the night. Isaiah Rogers was the recipient of two of them. The first of the two resulting in more than 60 yards. Cameran Loyd caught the other.

The Hillgrove running back tandem of Tay Reed and Sean Cooper each ran for touchdowns as well as several big-time runs.

Walton’s offense has been their calling card this season thus far. The Raiders haven’t scored less than 30 points all season.

Hillgrove’s schedule doesn’t get any easier over the coming weeks. They travel to Northcutt Stadium to face off with a talented Marietta Blue Devils team. The week after that, they go to North Cobb for a match up with the Warriors.

Walton’s date against the region-leading Warriors comes this coming week when the two power teams go head-to-head at Walton on Friday.

(Article and photos by Josh Tec)