Last Friday, our football team secured a statement victory in the opening round of the GHSA Class 6A playoffs, outlasting Westlake by a final score of 42 to 28. The Wolverines leaned heavily on their ground game, racking up 326 rushing yards, the most they’ve posted all season. After a tight first half, West Forsyth began to pull away in the second, controlling the clock and wearing down the Westlake defense with a punishing run scheme.

A handful of players stood out, but Andrew Davis was the clear star of the night. He exploded for 163 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging an eye popping 9.6 yards per carry, and also contributed in the receiving game with 56 yards and a score. Senior QB Max Walraven also made a major impact, chipping in with a strong ground performance, gaining 113 yards on just 13 carries to help sustain drives. The offensive line deserves credit too because their dominance up front opened huge holes and gave West Forsyth a consistent physical edge.

Now, West Forsyth will host Hillgrove High School this Friday at 7:30 p.m. for their next playoff battle. While the Wolverines have momentum, Hillgrove is no pushover. The Hillgrove Hawks, hailing from Powder Springs, entered this season with one of the stingiest defenses in the state, allowing only about 10.1 points per game. Under coach Justin DeShon, Hillgrove has built a well rounded program, and they’re also known for producing NFL talent, such as former running back Kenyan Drake. The stage is set for a high stakes, physical showdown under the lights in the Den, and if Friday’s performance is any indication, the Wolverines will be deeply motivated to keep their playoff run alive.