Rome High School Varsity Football vs Allatoona High Preview
Game: Friday, Sept. 23 at historic Barron Stadium in Rome
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Allatoona is 1-4 and 0-1 in region 6-6A and unranked in Class 6A, Rome is 3-1 and 0-0 in region 6-6A and ranked No. 6 In Class 6A
History: The Wolves have lost both previous matchups against Allatoona, dropping to the Bucs 45-14 in 2013 and 39-17 in 2014. This is the first time the Wolves have faced the Bucs with John Reid as coach.
Allatoona: The Buccaneers lost their first three games of the season to North Paulding (35-13), Kell (21-9) and Cartersville (28-20). They topped Hillgrove 31-9 in week four before falling last week to region 6-6A foe Creekview 24-22.
Head Coach Gary Varner has been with the school since it opened in 2008 and helped lead the Bucs to the Class 4A state title in 2015.
Allatoona quarterback Tyler McGuire has thrown for 350 yards and one touchdown on the season. Senior tailback Jayden Ponder has rushed for 709 yards on 110 carries and scored four touchdowns for the Bucs. Aiden Vandegriff and Brody Moore are the top two receivers with both wide outs having passed the 100-yard receiving mark so far this season.
Rome: The Wolves had a rest week last week after rallying to top Class 7A Pebblebrook in the final minute of the game 30-28 when quarterback Reece Fountain hit wide out Will Bray for the game-winning touchdown.
This is Rome’s first Region 6-6A game of the season.
Rome’s offense continues to emerge and develop this season with Fountain leading the helm at quarterback. Martel Hight and DK Daniel have proven to be dangerous targets as has Bray. Jaedon Harmon continues to provide good yardage for the Wolves on the ground.
Defensively, Rome’s line continues to wreak havoc in opposing backfields while the defensive backs and linebackers make big plays. Defensive lineman Stephaylin Greene and Tyson Brown highlight the attack while linebacker Alto Moore continues to make lots of tackles.
Rome’s defense is allowing only 14 points per game
Fun Fact: Before the game, Rome High will be honoring the 1977 East Rome state championship team, the 1982 West Rome state championship team and the 1992 Rome High team which was the school’s first football team after consolidation.
Online and radio: The game can be viewed online at NFHS Network. Listeners can catch the radio play-by-play on WRGA 98.7 FM or 1470 AM or online at wrga.com with the Rome High kickoff show with an interview with head coach John Reid set to start at 7 p.m.
Next up: Rome hits the road for its second Region 6-6A game of the year, travelling to play Woodstock on Friday, Sept. 30.
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