St. Pius X High School was knocked from the ranks of the undefeated with a 21-13 loss to Mays High School, Atlanta. Both teams came into the game unbeaten through seven games, but St. Pius started the game out of sync. They fumbled on their first two possessions inside the 30-yard line, but the St. Pius defense stepped up each time to keep Mays out of the end zone. St. Pius scored first when junior Chris Philpot kicked a 44-yard field goal with 6:53 left in the second quarter. But on the ensuing kickoff Mays ran the ball all the way down to the St. Pius 5-yard line. From there senior running back Cornelius Walker took it in for a touchdown. Mays also scored a touchdown pass with 17 seconds left in the second quarter to take a 14-3 lead at halftime, only the second time this season St. Pius had trailed at the half. There was a feeling among St. Pius players as they stood along the sideline in the second half that they could come back, but it happened again with 8:22 left in the third quarter—they fumbled. St. Pius held Mays to two completions for 76 yards passing, but both went for touchdowns, the second one coming with 6:43 left in the third quarter to put Mays up 21-3. In a pivotal moment late in the third quarter St. Pius threatened to score from the two-yard line, but the Mays defense forced a fumble that resulted in a touchback. With just over six minutes remaining in the game, St. Pius senior running back Wil Asip scored a touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion made it 21-11. After St. Pius recovered an onside kick, they were able to drive the ball down once again to the two-yard line, but the red zone showed little love for the Golden Lions most of the night. Mays made another huge defensive stop on fourth and goal and despite taking a safety they remain the only undefeated team in Region 6-AAAA. St. Pius (7-1) tied the 2004 season mark of 7-0, the school’s fourth longest winning streak. St. Pius and Marist School now have identical records leading up to their Nov. 10 showdown, but before that happens St. Pius must travel to Avondale Stadium to face Miller Grove High School, Lithonia.

Blessed Trinity High School, Roswell, had their highest scoring game of the season with a 42-14 victory over Druid Hills High School, Atlanta. Sophomore running back Sam Burkhalter had 15 carries for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball senior linebacker Patrick Dever led the team with 13 tackles. Blessed Trinity (5-3) has two remaining home games, and they take on North Atlanta High School Friday.

Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta, lost to Piedmont Academy, Monticello, 28-13. Freshman Tre’ Blanchard and senior wide receiver Robby Melinoski provided their only touchdowns, a 56-yard run off of a fumble recovery and a 14-yard pass reception, respectively. Holy Spirit (4-3) goes to Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, Atlanta, on Friday, and a win puts Holy Spirit in the Region 4-AA state playoffs for the first time.

Marist School, Atlanta, defeated Southwest DeKalb High School, 29-3. With a strong running attack of 236 yards, four different players scored rushing touchdowns. Marist (7-1) plays Mays High School (8-0) at Lakewood Stadium Friday, Nov. 3.

Our Lady of Mercy High School, Fairburn, was shut out for the first time this season after losing to Whitefield Academy, Mableton, 38-0. Mercy (1-7) returns home to face Fellowship Christian High School, Roswell, on Friday, Nov. 3.

Pinecrest Academy, Cumming, lost a close game, their second in a row, to Brentwood School, Sandersville, 13-9. Unfortunately the loss eliminated Pinecrest from post-season play. On Nov. 3 Pinecrest (6-3) goes on the road to play Briarwood Academy, Warrenton.