No. 10 Westover downs No. 7 Cairo 29-10 to host first round playoff game

ALBANY — The No. 10-ranked Westover Patriots (9-1) clinched the No. 2 spot in Region 1-AAA and secured the right to host a first-round state playoff game with a 29-10 victory over No. 7-ranked Cairo on Thursday night at Hugh Mills Stadium. The win gives Westover its best regular-season record since MaxPreps began recording high school football stats in 2004.

“Man, it is nothing but God,” Westover Head Coach Corey Joyner said. “Our guys worked hard this summer, and our coaching staff was tremendous. We were predicted to win two games, and now we are number two in the region!”

Westover’s only loss this season came against No. 1-ranked Peach County, which finished first in the region. Cairo takes third, while Monroe claims fourth as the state playoffs approach.

The Patriots set the tone early, dominating the line of scrimmage and giving junior running back Dominique Ball room to exploit Cairo’s defense. Ball led the offensive charge with three touchdowns and two two-point conversions, bringing his season total to a state-leading 206 points.

Westover scored on its opening drive when quarterback Keyon Thomas dropped back to pass, then took off downfield for a 45-yard touchdown run. Cairo responded with a 35-yard field goal, but Westover’s next possession started deep in their own territory due to a penalty. The Patriots’ offensive line asserted itself, powering Ball’s runs across midfield and into scoring position. Three plays later, Ball found the end zone and added a two-point conversion, extending Westover’s lead.

Ball struck again in the second quarter on a fourth-and-four play from Cairo’s 15-yard line, capitalizing on another strong push from his line to race into the end zone. Cairo attempted to answer before halftime, but Westover freshman Destin Bell intercepted a pass, ending the drive.

The second half opened with another defensive stand for the Patriots as senior Tyreek Baldwin intercepted Cairo’s first pass of the third quarter. Despite a renewed push from Cairo’s running game, the Syrupmakers struggled to gain momentum, suffering from critical penalties that nullified two touchdowns and a fumble in the end zone that cut another scoring opportunity short.

Notably absent from Cairo’s offense was Bryian Duncan, the leading rusher in Georgia’s Class AAA, but Cairo’s backup running backs proved capable, driving the team downfield with considerable speed in the third quarter. However, missed chances and turnovers proved costly as Westover’s defense continued to hold strong.

Joyner and the Patriots won’t know who their first round opponent will be until after this weekend’s action.

By Joe Whitfield
Sports EditorBy Joe Whitfield
Sports Editor

By Joe Whitfield
Sports Editor