The North Cobb Warrior varsity football team (6-2, 2-1) entered into their third region game of the season against the fifth state-ranked Marietta Blue Devils (6-2, 2-1) on Friday, October 25 at Emory Sewell stadium. Prior to play, North Cobb senior football players, cheerleaders, band members, and athletic training aides received recognition for their contributions to the North Cobb football program throughout their years at the school. Coming off a 35-21 win over the North Paulding Wolfpack in the previous week, the NC Warriors appeared overwhelmed by the physicality of the Blue Devils, ultimately falling 63-35.

“Our boys had a tough game tonight, but they’ll bounce back next week. I really enjoyed Senior night this year and loved how it coincided with our Pink Out night,” said senior student athlete Josh Zignego.

Followed by the initial coin toss in which the Warriors elected to kickoff, the Blue Devils struck quickly, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Tennessee-commit and senior quarterback Harrison Bailey to LSU-commit and senior tight end Arik Gilbert within the first 30 seconds. The Warrior offense, led by junior quarterback Trevor Lovett, expected to respond instantly, but ultimately went four and out in their first series. From there, the Blue Devils continued executing big plays and exciting touchdowns, scoring 49 points in the first half. Bailey, finished the first half with 225 yards and 4 touchdowns, later adding another touchdown and 58 more yards in the second half.

The Warriors lone touchdown in the first half came when Lovett completed a 12 yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Nasir Howell. Despite the short shift in momentum, the Blue Devils responded instantly with a kickoff return for a touchdown by senior wide receiver Ricky White. The Warriors increased their scoring total in the second half when freshman phenom quarterback Malachi Singleton accounted for a pair of touchdowns, along with senior running back Tommieo Walker adding one of his own. Blue Devil senior running-back Kimani Vidal also added a trio of touchdowns in the first half.

“Marietta is a crazy good team. We just got to learn from our mistakes and focus on the rest of our season,” said sophomore linebacker Vernard Martin.

This loss marks an even 18-18 all-time record between North Cobb and Marietta. For the Warriors, this game marks the most points given up in a single game since the Warriors battled Lovejoy in the 2012 state semifinals. Despite a tough and rainy game for the Warriors, head coach Shane Queen told his players to forget about this loss, and move onto the next game.

Make sure to catch the Warriors take on the McEachern Indians on November 1 at Cantrell stadium.