Harrison's Cobleigh Stadium was rocking on Friday night for the much-anticipated local rivalry between the Hoyas and the North Paulding Wolfpack. The schools are just over ten miles apart, and both are in GHSA's top classification, 6A. Although the teams play in different regions, the 2025 teams are closely matched on paper with a lot of returning experience.
"This game often sets the tone for what comes next," said Harrison Principal Dr. Jeff Milton prior to kickoff. "Both schools have this game circled on their calendars!"
The weather cooperated beautifully, giving the capacity crowd unseasonably cool temperatures and clear skies to witness the Friday Night Lights battle of two undefeated teams. Harrison came in 2-0, having beaten Kennesaw Mountain and Wheeler. The Wolfpack, also 2-0, had already toppled Parkview and East Paulding. The winner would retain a perfect record and gain local bragging rights.
The game itself did not disappoint. The home team jumped out to an early lead, followed by a 2-point conversion less than three minutes into the first quarter. The Wolfpack answered with a score of their own to cut the Hoya lead to one point, 8-7. But with 18 seconds left in the opening quarter, the Hoyas scored a second touchdown and extended their lead back to eight, 15-7.
The Hoyas scored again with 4:36 left in the first half to take a commanding 22-7 lead, which the Wolfpack cut to 22-10 with a field goal right before the half.
Things got a bit tense in the home stands as North Paulding found offensive rhythm on the ground in the second half. They cut the Hoya lead to five points early in the third quarter, but gave up a FG to start the final quarter down eight, 25-17.
The Wolfpack kept grinding with their run game and finally crossed into the end zone with 1:03 left in the game. The score brought them within two points, 25-23. It was the closest the score had been since the first quarter. It all came down to a goal-line stand and Harrison stacked the line anticipating the 2-point attempt. The Wolfpack runner was stuffed immediately for no gain and no points. Hoya Nation erupted as the home team rewarded its faithful with a spectacular finish and a continued undefeated season.
Congratulations to the Hoyas on a 3-0 start to the 2025 season! Harrison will take a much-needed break this Friday before heading to Pebblebrook on September 12 for their first region game of the season.
