St. Pius X High School has surpassed the 7-0 seasons of 2004 and 2006 after a 28-7 victory over Grady High School Oct. 24. The win marks the first time since 1967 that the football program has experienced an 8-0 start. With this victory Pius also clinched the Region 5-AAA Sub Region B Championship and propelled the team to the state playoffs for the third straight year.

For this game, the Pius defense rose to the occasion once again, holding Grady to 103 yards rushing and forcing three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble. Pius kicker Joey Gargiulo was four for four on points after touchdown. He is currently 34 for 34 on the season. Pius rushed for 314 yards, and fullback Cole Moon had 180 of them on 22 carries. He also had three touchdowns. Senior tailback Brendonn Jones had one touchdown to go with his 53 rushing yards.

Head Coach Paul Standard said, “I am very proud of how our team has progressed throughout the year, how they have handled adversity—the loss of senior tailback Jonathan Carter—and how they have prepared themselves each week this season.” Carter broke his leg diving over a defender to score with eight seconds remaining in the Sept. 19 game against Carver High School. Carter also played safety on defense.

Standard added, “I am very pleased with our senior leadership and how they have taken care of our team. Our team prides itself on preparing each week the same regardless of the opponent or their record and that has been a real key to our success is our preparation each week.” Pius will host Riverwood High School Friday, Oct. 31, at George B. Maloof Stadium.

Blessed Trinity High School, Roswell, lost for the second time this season to undefeated Buford High School 14-10 Oct. 24. It was Blessed Trinity’s first loss on the road. Blessed Trinity senior fullback Sam Burkhalter had 32 carries for 200 yards and one touchdown in the defeat. Defensive backs Court Kasten and Mitch Smith led the defense with 13 and 9 tackles, respectively. Buford had 223 total offensive yards, 116 rushing and 107 passing. The game breaker took place when Buford scored on a 47-yard run with 37 seconds left in the game. Blessed Trinity (6-2) returns to the road again to face Decatur High School (3-5), Friday, Oct. 31.

Pinecrest Academy, Cumming, lost 26-7 to visiting region opponent George Walton Academy Oct. 24. Playing in a constant downpour, the Paladin offense gave up two fumbles, which led to 12 points. Junior Kevin Metz’s 75-yard touchdown catch provided the team’s only touchdown. Pinecrest (5-3-1) travels to Atlanta to face crosstown rival Holy Spirit Preparatory School (5-4), Friday, Oct. 31.