[wzslider info=”true”]

The Knights rolled over the the Banneker Trojans, winning 52-26 for Grady’s 2013-2014 Homecoming football game as part of APS’s “Domecoming” Day at the Georgia Dome. The Knights got off to an explosive start, going up 21-0 following a rushing touchdown by senior Hakeem Todd, a receiving touchdown by junior Amyr Smith and a pick-six by sophomore defensive back Christion Abercrombie. The Trojans rallied late in the second quarter to pick up two touchdowns but missed one of the extra points, resulting in a 21-13 halftime score.

Coach Ronnie Millen was satisfied with Grady’s start but said they lost focus.

“We relaxed and the other team got back in the game but then we made adjustments at halftime and we got back on track,” Millen said. “Things went well after that.”

During halftime, the Grady royal court proceeded through a saber salute by the JROTC and were accompanied by music played by the Grady Knights of Sound. Mr. and Ms. Grady, seniors Ryan Bolton and Emily Ferris, were given trophies and flowers by assistant principals Rodney Howard and David Propst.

The Knights started the second half with another passing touchdown from senior quarterback Isiah Jenkins to Smith. Hakeem Todd also had a receiving touchdown, which was shortly followed by a rushing touchdown by freshman Caylin Newton. The Knights defense also played above par, forcing two fumbles and returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

Despite their victory, Millen was troubled with the amount of penalties the team committed.

“A lot of [the penalties] were just [lapses in] concentration,” Millen said. “Some of them I felt weren’t warranted. That has been an issue we have been trying to work on. Kids have to be a little more focused and concentrate a little bit better.”

This was the fourth time Millen has coached a Grady football game in the Georgia Dome.