Jeremiah Pruitte caught two touchdown passes and Taylor Smith ran back an interception 91 yards for another score as Wheeler defeated Sprayberry 40-20 Friday Night.
The Wildcats (2-0) were playing their first game at home. Sprayberry had the early momentum on its first drive but fumbled near the Wheeler goal line, and the Wildcats recovered.
Wheeler struck right away, with Zack Atkins scoring on a long touchdown pass.
Sprayberry scored a touchdown on its next possession when Aaron Bibbins ran into the end zone on quarterback keeper. But Wheeler blocked the extra point to make the score 7-6.
Although they mounted a comeback in the second half, the Yellow Jackets (0-2) would get no closer.
It was the first game between Sprayberry and Wheeler since 2013.
Pruitte’s second touchdown pass from Chidi Ogbonna came with 2:02 to play in the third quarter, and gave Wheeler a 31-13 lead.
Sprayberry fought back in the fourth quarter, as Bibbins scored another touchdown on a keeper to make the score 31-20.
But he made some crucial mistakes down the stretch. The Jackets were driving to Wheeler’s goal line when he was intercepted by Derrick Dunn. Later, he was sacked in the end zone for a safety.
With the score 33-20, Sprayberry was knocking on the door again in the final minute of the game. Bibbins aimed a pass toward the goal line, but Wheeler’s Taylor Smith reached up and picked the ball off, then ran it back 91 yards for a TD and the final scoring of the night.
In other games involving East Cobb teams, Walton came from behind on the road to defeat Collins Hill 29-25.
In another East Cobb rivalry game, Pope led Lassiter 7-0 at halftime, and then the Trojans scored two touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead.
The Greyhounds came back with a touchdown of their own, but missed the extra point. Lassiter added another touchdown late for a 20-13 win.
Two more East Cobb rivalry games take place next week. Lassiter remains at home against Kell, which was off this week. Pope’s home opener next Friday is against Walton.
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