The Cross Keys Phoenix ended the state’s second-longest losing streak at 43 games when they defeated Skipstone Academy of Griffin 20-12 for their first win since 2020.

The Phoenix (1-9) had not won a game since defeating Notre Dame Academy 28-7 on Oct. 2, 2020. 

Cross Keys

Jonathan Garcia rushed for 100 yards in the Cross Keys victory.

Credit: Mark Brock, DeKalb County Athletics

 “The kids are elated and the great crowd who came out for homecoming and senior night is really appreciated,” said coach Eric Quarles, who took over the program in 2023. “The team finally came together behind our seniors to get a win.”

 Cross Keys took the early lead on a Justin Guerrero rushing touchdown late in the first quarter. Skipstone (0-7) rallied to knot the game at 6-6 with eight minutes left in the first half and the teams went into the locker rooms tied.

Guerrero, one of three seniors to play key roles in the victory put Cross Keys ahead for good at 14-7 on his second rushing touchdown of the game with five minutes left in the third quarter. 

Homecoming King and senior quarterback Gustavo Martinez got the game clincher on a run with 2:26 to play to increase the lead to 20-6.

 Skipstone added a late touchdown to pull within the final of 20-12.

 “Gustavo (Martinez) really put the team on his back by rushing for over 100 yards and making several big plays on defense,” said Quarles. “We have a relatively young team, and this gives up a big boost heading into the offseason and build for next year.”

 Joining Martinez with over 100 yards rushing was Jonathan Garcia, another senior.

Early County 2025

 Early County wins 400th game

The Early County Bobcats won the program’s 400th game on Friday when they defeated Mitchell County 50-30 on Senior Night in Blakely.

 In 60 seasons, Early County is 400-259 with 12 region championships. Friday’s win secured the team’s fourth consecutive region title. 

The program has been blessed with some outstanding coaches. Trey Woolf is the all-time winningest coach, going 105-76-3 in 16 seasons from 2001-16. Wayne Parrish was 75-39 in 10 seasons from 1991-2000. Hall of Famer Ed Pilcher went 42-17-1 in five seasons from 1986-90. 

Current coach Frank Killingsworth is 23-11 in three seasons with three region championships.