Rome Wolves Varsity Football vs Carrollton High Recap
ROME, GA— Trailing 13-0 on the road in a tough environment at Grisham Stadium in Carrollton, Rome manufactured a solid drive and several big moments putting the Wolves within striking distance of the Class 7A Trojans, but the Wolves couldn’t quite pull in the big play when it was needed, falling 23-6 for the squad’s first loss of the season.
After the Trojans’ offense scored back-to-back touchdowns to open the game with a 13-0 lead, Rome’s offense got on track with junior quarterback Reece Fountain hitting DK Daniel for a big pass play, moving the Wolves to midfield. Fountain again found Daniel for a short gain setting up a huge play.
On third and five from their own 48-yard line, Fountain took the snap and rolled to his right. He appeared to have two receivers open over the middle for decent gains. Instead, he took an extra step and winged the ball deep downfield to receiver Will Bray. Bray’s defender reached out and grabbed him, but the senior fought through the grab, got separation, caught the ball and raced into the end zone, cutting the Trojans lead to 13-6 late in the opening quarter.
Rome’s defense came up with the next big play, as the Trojans drove to Rome’s five-yard line. Carrollton junior tailback Bryce Hicks took a hand-off, eluded one Rome defender and appeared headed for the end zone and a touchdown. Instead, a Rome defender slammed into him inches before the goal line, prying the ball loose and Rome defenders recovered it and handing Rome the ball and lots of momentum.
The offense took advantage of the new possession and the momentum, driving down to Carrollton’s 14-yard line mixing running and passing plays, particularly a couple of nice runs from tailback Jaedon Harmon as well as a big catch from Daniel. The 13-play drive stalled though, and Rome was not able to connect on the field goal.
The Wolves’ offense got another chance before halftime as the squad drove inside the Trojans’ 20-yard line with time running out. A big fourth down grab from Martavious Collins kept the drive alive, but it ended with the Trojans intercepting a pass in the end zone, allowing Carrollton to take the 13-6 lead into halftime.
Carrollton’s and Rome’s defenses both rose up in the third quarter, not allowing much. The Wolves held the Trojans to a field goal on a long drive, as Carrollton carried a 16-6 lead into the final quarter.
Rome had another chance to cut into the Carrollton lead early in the fourth quarter. Starting with the ball on their own 6-yard line, the Wolves hit several big pass plays, including a 16-yarder to Martel Hight for a first down, a 14-yarder to Collins for another first down and a 20-yarder to Daniel for another first down. Although the Wolves managed to get inside Carrollton’s 40, they just missed on two other key pass plays, turning the ball over on downs.
The Trojans drove the field and scored a late touchdown to cement the 23-6 victory.
Fountain finished the night with 25 completions on 35 attempts with one interception and one touchdown. Daniel led all Rome receivers with 89 yards, while Will Bray added 76 and the lone score for the Wolves. Harmon led all Rome tailbacks with 43 yards on nine carries.
Stephiylan Green led Rome tacklers with 6.5 tackles and one sack, while Alto Moore added six tackles and Tyson Brown recorded 5.5 tackles.
The loss moves Rome to 2-1 on the season. The Wolves return to action next week at Barron Stadium playing host to Class 7A Pebblebrooke.
The Falcons are currently 2-1 with a loss to South Gwinnett and back-to-back wins over South Cobb and Hapeville Charter.
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