The third-ranked North Hall football team survived its toughest test to date Friday, beating Sandy Creek 21-7 in the second round of the Class AAA state playoffs.
The Trojans (12-0) advance to the quarterfinals for the third time in four years, and will take on Perry (9-3) next Friday at the Brickyard. The winner will play in the state semifinals Dec. 8 in the Georgia Dome.
Other winners Friday were Buford in Class AA and Habersham Central in Class AAAAA.
Friday's final scores
North Hall 21, Sandy Creek 7: North Hall extended its winning streak to 12 games at the Brickyard. Hunter Wolf led the Trojans (12-0) with two touchdowns and Fabian Jackson added one.
Buford 41, Darlington 0: South Florida recruit Demetris Murray led the Wolves (12-0, No. 1 Region 6-AA) with touchdown runs of 47, 41, 17 and 7 yards.
With the win, Buford will play Charlton at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Because Charlton is the No. 1 seed from Region 2-AA, a coin flip will determine where the game is played.
Habersham Central 36, Cherokee 35 (2 OT): Habersham running back Robert Renshaw scored on a 4-yard touchdown run to pull the Raiders within a point. The Raiders then successfully converted the 2-point conversion attempt on a Bo Hatchett quarterback keeper, ending the game after two overtimes.
With the victory, the Raiders will travel to Ware County at 7:30 p.m. next Friday.
Warren County 28, Jefferson 7: With the loss, Jefferson's season concludes with a final record of 8-4.
See Saturday's Times for complete coverage of Friday's games.