Friday, September 14, 2012
This past Friday the Norcross Blue Devils went head to head against the North Gwinnett Bulldogs on the gridiron. Both teams, now recently moved into the Class AAAAAA category for football, were ranked at #7 and #4 in the state. While both teams played well Norcross took the lead in the first half 10-7. It seemed that every time the Bulldogs came close to the end zone they couldn’t make the final push. Norcross widened the lead early in the third quarter and each time North Gwinnett seemed to answer. But after the Blue Devils scored two touchdowns in a row, the Bulldogs could not seem to make up the ten point difference. Norcross defeated North Gwinnett 31-21. I photographed the high school football game for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
North Gwinnett’s Dante Sawyer (right) makes adjustments to his helmet as Caleb Scott tucks his jersey over his pads in the locker room before their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Michael Haynes sits with his head down listening to music before dressing out for their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Belinda Fortenberry grills hamburgers for the North Gwinnett concession stand before their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett fans Charlie Tavilla (left) and Zach Cauley find the perfect seats in the bleacher after arriving early for their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Lexi Young (left), Claire Bousquet and Caroline Beasley eat in the North Gwinnett Touchdown Club area before their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012
Chloe Redmond leaps against a way of velcro before the North Gwinnett – Norcross game on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Alex Chalk looks at his new seat cushion as he is pushed in a stroller by his mother before the North Gwinnett – Norcross football game on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Bryan Williams (36) gets pumped up as he takes the field with his team before their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Warren McWilliams (34) and Caleb Crum (50) bump chests in the air before their game against North Gwinnett on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross coach Reggie Stancil gets the team pumped up in a huddle before their game against North Gwinnett on Friday, September 14, 2012
Adam Flieger (right) and Corey Manis blow horns in the student section of the North Gwinnett bleachers before their game against Norcross on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Trey Smith (21) catches the ball in mid air as North Gwinnett’s Robert Pucciarello (3) and Bobby Young (12) try to block him on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Myles Autry (5) is tackled by North Gwinnett’s Christopher James (25) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Alvin Kamara (6) tries to stay in front of North Gwinnett’s Carter Cross (14) as he carries the ball on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Clinton Lynch (2) breaks a tackle by North Gwinnett’s Colton Manning (27) to score the Blue Devils’ first touchdown on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Russell King (5) is stopped by Norcross’ Jordan Noil (13) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Cam Lewis (2) is tackled by Norcross’ Jaquan Frazier (45) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett quarterback Michael Haynes (13) is tackled by Norcross’ Tommy Tate (51) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
Norcross’ Myles Autry (5) catches the ball while falling backwards as North Gwinnett’s Robert Pucciarello (3) tackles him on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett quarterback Michael Haynes (13) is brought to the ground by Norcross’ Khyree Lee (90), Lorenzo Carter (center) and Jarmarcus Connally (61) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Jaye Stackhouse (26) pulls on the jersey of Norcross’ Alvin Kamara (right) to keep him from scoring a touchdown on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Caleb Scott (left) watches from the ground as Norcross’ JaQuan Simpkins (4) intercepts a pass intended for him on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Almonzo Brown (8) is tackled by Norcross’ Jaquan Frazier (45) on Friday, September 14, 2012.
North Gwinnett’s Tony Bradford (35) causes Norcross’ Alvin Kamara (6) to fumble the ball on Friday, September 14, 2012.