With all of their points coming in the first half, the North Hall Trojans defeated Walnut Grove 40-0 on Friday at Warrior Stadium in Loganville.

The game saw the return of Imani Cross to the North Hall back field; the running back hasn't played a game since last season after injuring his Achilles tendon.

Friday night, the junior carried the ball three times for 18 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown run in the first quarter for North Hall's first score of the game.

Cross added a 14-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter, his only reception of the night.

"He looked good," said North Hall coach Bob Christmas. "He'll get back his game speed and his confidence the more playing time he gets, but I thought he looked good for not having played since last year."

Christmas also thought the Trojans' defense looked good.

"I think (Walnut Grove) had one first down in the first half," Christmas said, "and they ended up with seven overall."

Leading 40-0 at halftime, Christmas pulled his starters. With the shutout intact at the start of the fourth, North Hall's junior varsity took the field and maintained the 40-0 victory.

Kanler Coker had a solid night under center, going 10-for-19 with 151 yards and three touchdowns. The biggest play of the game for Coker came in the first quarter, when the junior hit Randy Olson on a 70-yard touchdown pass.

Coker's other touchdown pass came in the first quarter, a 4-yard strike to Darius Curry. Mack VanGorder led the Trojans in rushing, carrying the ball seven times for 135 yards and a touchdown.

North Hall (2-2, 0-0 Region 8A-AAA) opens subregion play next week when they visit Chestatee (3-1, 0-0 Region 8A-AAA) at 7 p.m.