Christian Heritage likely solidifies home game for first round of playoffs with win Friday

Published 1:31 am Saturday, November 3, 2018

Christian Heritage exploded in the second half for a win against Mount Pisgah at home Friday night 38-24.

With the win, the Lions (7-3, 4-3 in Region 6-A) will possibly boost their power rating and likely secure themselves home field advantage in the first week of the postseason next Friday. They entered Friday as the No. 13 team in the Georgia High School Class A Private Power Ratings, with the top 24 teams advancing to the playoffs.

Christian Heritage has never hosted a football playoff game.

“We are definitely planning on hosting next week. I’m almost 100 percent sure,” Lions coach Jay Poag said. “The players — they are ecstatic. It’s been a season of so many firsts. These kids deserve it. It’s real satisfying, especially for the seniors.”

Christian Heritage went into halftime trailing 17-10 after allowing Mount Pisgah to score on a kickoff return to regain the lead. Poag said the talk in the locker room was anything but pretty.

“We didn’t play well in the first half,” Poag said. “I don’t know what it was, but we just needed a spark.”

The Lions scored on the opening drive of the second half to tie the game once again 17-17. After that, it was all Christian Heritage.

“We were just off and running,” Poag said. “Everyone got really pumped up.”

The Christian Heritage defense has now had back-to-back weeks with a stellar performance after scoring twice for the Lions on Friday night. Poag said he’s not sure how many, but the defense had multiple turnovers.

Trey Kruse had a scoop-and-score fumble recovery of 45 yards, and Syd Reeves returned an interception for a 50-yard score.

“It might have been at least eight turnovers,” Poag said.

Quarterback Matthew Neff connected with Evan Lester for two touchdowns on throws of 20 and 70 yards. Other scorers for Christian Heritage included a field goal by Kevin Dixon and a 70-yard rushing touchdown for Gage Leonard.

Christian Heritage awaits its pairing for next week’s first round Class A playoff game.