Hughes High School advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) playoffs with a convincing 49-31 victory over Lee County on October 27, 2023. The win maintains Hughes’ undefeated record at 12-0, as the team aims to replicate its success from the 2024 season and secure a spot in the championship game.
The match unfolded with a fast-paced first quarter, featuring a total of 28 points scored. Lee County opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown from Dominque Ball, giving the Trojans an early 7-0 lead. Hughes responded quickly. Darnell Kelly showcased his speed and agility with a long touchdown run, leveling the score. Kelly remarked, “Great play call by the coach. I saw it open and hit the hole. My offensive line blocked great, and my wide receivers and running backs did what they had to do. I took off and scored.”
The Panthers gained momentum when they forced a turnover on the ensuing possession, returning it for a touchdown and taking a 14-7 lead. As the first quarter drew to a close, elite tight end and Florida State commit Xavier Tiller caught a pass over the middle, breaking tackles and sprinting for another Hughes touchdown, extending their lead to 21-7.
In the second quarter, Lee County sought to narrow the gap but had to settle for a field goal after a promising drive. Hughes capitalized on their next possession, with Kelly scoring his second touchdown, bringing the Panthers’ lead to 28-10. The Panthers’ defense continued to shine, with Dale Perry intercepting a pass shortly after. They scored again with a rushing touchdown from Qwantavius “Fatboy” Wiggins, leading 35-10 at halftime.
After the break, Lee County showed resilience with a rushing touchdown, reducing the deficit to 35-17. However, Hughes quickly responded with another touchdown from their backup running back, Omari Harris, increasing the lead to 42-17. Lee County’s Jordan Bush added a rushing touchdown, but Hughes maintained an 18-point advantage at 42-24. Kelly capped off an impressive performance with a final touchdown, giving Hughes a commanding 49-24 lead, before Lee County’s Carter Blackwell scored the last touchdown of the match.
Darnell Kelly stood out as a pivotal player, demonstrating exceptional leadership and versatility as Hughes’ quarterback. The Colorado State commit delivered four touchdowns, showcasing both his passing and running abilities. His performance solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the state.
Another key player was Xavier Tiller, who demonstrated his prowess as a tight end. Tiller not only caught two touchdown passes but also excelled in blocking, significantly contributing to the running game. His combination of skills makes him a valuable asset for Florida State, where he will be continuing his football career.
On the defensive side, Lasiah Jackson emerged as a standout for Lee County, despite the team’s struggles. The Stanford commit played various roles on defense, showcasing his physicality and ability to make impactful plays.
Junior wide receiver Jaden Upshaw also highlighted his potential, displaying strong route-running skills and the ability to create separation. Upshaw’s performance underlined his status as a promising talent for the future.
Statistically, Hughes achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring 40 points for the tenth time this season, marking them as one of the most prolific offenses in Georgia. Their well-balanced attack, featuring both a strong running game with Qwantavius Wiggins and potent receiving threats, keeps opponents on their toes.
Lee County suffered from three turnovers during the contest, which proved detrimental to their chances. Had they managed to protect the ball better, the outcome could have been different, potentially leading to a more competitive game.
In conclusion, while Hughes demonstrated resilience and skill, Lee County’s turnovers hindered their performance. Hughes’ physicality and offensive firepower may position them as strong contenders for the title, especially with the potential to reach the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Meanwhile, Lee County faces a rebuilding phase as they prepare for next season, losing key players such as Lasiah Jackson and senior quarterback Marcus Snipes, while retaining promising talent in Jaden Upshaw and others.
