Beyond The Keystone: Forsyth Central v. Chattahoochee

Tagged under: Beyond The Keystone, Game Photos, Gameday Hub

Sykotyk | August 20, 2022

Forsyth Central 44, Chattahoochee 21

In the midst of the season opening Corky Kell Classic, there is a regular season Week One happening all over Georgia. Games that mean just as much to the teams playing as any game in the heralded kickoff classic. One such game was in the shadows of Forsyth County. While West Forsyth and North Forsyth both played on Thursday Night’s doubleheader at West Forsyth’s Wolverine Stadium turf, Forsyth Central was hosting Chattahoochee. The Bulldogs were in their 67th year. Founded as Forsyth County, they are now one of eight high schools in the Forsyth County Schools. Those newer ones opening since 1989 include South Forsyth, West Forsyth, North Forsyth, East Forsyth, Lambert, and Denmark.

The surburban growth from Atlanta moving northward along US19 has seen a population boom in the county. It is the fastest growing county in Georgia and 15th fastest in the nation. The current 251,000-plus inhabitants dwarf the 98,407 that were in the county just 22 years ago. Forsyth Central existed at a time when the entire county had less than 12,000 residents. And is, despite the increasing boom around the county seat of Cumming, the flag bearers for the county.

Chattahoochee, meanwhile, has served northern Fulton County, home of Atlanta, since 1991. The Cougars, or Hooch, as their locale is nicknamed, have one state title to their credit. A 1990 shutout victory at the old Georgia Dome to cap an undefeated season. The school has seen turbulent fluctuations as the northern suburbs have grown and new schools keep getting added to their territory such as rivals Johns Creek, and families move further and further outward in the Atlanta metropolis.

For the game itself, rain threatened throughout the day. And a light flittering of sprinkles fell before the game. However, the game would have a clammy coldness to start the game. A limited breeze, but entirely sunless sky. The staleness of the air, added by the precipitation meant the air hung heavy despite the temperature.

Forsyth Central would get the ball first, and quickly score the first of four Jayce Todaro rushing touchdowns. Two touchdowns each were bookended around a 77-yard touchdown pass by visiting Chattahoochee. The first Todaro score was from 1 yard out, at the 9:30 mark, 5 yards out at the 6:32 mark, a long 60 yard trot with 4:42 left in the first to re-establish their dominance, and another 5 yard scamper up the middle with 2:33 left in the first quarter. Pulling off the Al Bundy Four Scores in a Single Game less than ten minutes into the season.

The second quarter was a bit more grinding, as Forsyth Central added a 3 yard run by Taylor and a 27 yard field goal by Clapper. Chattahoochee wouldn’t go away, though. A kickoff return for a score made it 37-14 going into the intermission. The third quarter was a scoreless back-and-forth affair. Before the fourth quarter’s finishing touches by the Bulldogs. A touchdown put the game out of reach following a fourth down pass interference call extended their drive. Chattahoochee wouldn’t go quietly, however, as they managed a 30 yard TD pass to make the last couple minutes interesting.

For more, and larger photos, from this weekend, click HERE.

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