Norcross Shuts Out Parkview 20-0

Miles Autry scored two touchdowns, including a game-breaking punt return in the third quarter, to lift Norcross to a 20-0 win over Parkview Thursday at Norcross High.

It was the fifth straight win over the Panthers for the Blue Devils, ranked No. 6 in the state in Class AAAAAA.

Norcross improved to 2-0. Parkview, which has not scored a touchdown in two games, fell to 1-1.

The game, which was telecast live by WSB-TV (Digital Channel 2.2), was the Gwinnett Game of the Week, as voted by Patch readers.

Here's a look at the game:

Note: A special thanks goes to Parkview assistant coach Justin Bishop for accounts and statistics used in this report.

Key Moments

Norcross struck three times at the most inopportune times for the Panthers.

First, the Blue Devils took the opening kickoff and drove 80 yards to grab early momentum. A 34-yard pass from Joseph Wilber to Trey Smth made it 6-0 (the extra point was missed).

The second TD drive also went 80, culminating with a Wilber 5-yard screen pass to Autry just before halftime. Before that, Parkview kicker Tyler Stephenson missed field-goal attempts of 48 and 37 yards.

The game-breaker came early in the third quarter after Parkview went three-and-out to open the half. Parkview punter Hunter Thornton boomed a 50-yard punt, but Autry returned it 75 yards for a 20-0 lead.

Missed Opportunities

Parkview wasn’t without scoring opportunities — at least four in the game, including the two missed field goals.

But most damaging may have come before the second miss.

Parkview forced a Norcross fumble and recovered it at the 20, but couldn't move the ball in what was their best chance to put scoreboard pressure on the Blue Devils.

Offensive woes

The Panthers found it difficult moving the ball against an active Norcross defense. Running back Chris Carson (215 yards last week vs. Peachtree Ridge) was held to 38 yards on 15 carries. Justis Rosser had an 11-yard run, and Brandon Sullivan had 10 yards on two carries.

Parkview gained only 102 yards — 56 rushing and 26 passing.

Quarterback Rob Youngblood completed 4 of 11 passes for 46 yards. Keanu Mole had two catches for 25 yards, Jay Turner had one catch for 13 yards and G.G. Robinson had one for 8.

Defense played well

Outside of the two long scoring drives, the Panthers’ defense pretty much held Norcross’ high-output offense in check.

The Panthers held Norcross to 126 yards on 29 rushes and 113 passing yards.

Next Up

Parkview’s biggest challenge of the season comes next week, when top-ranked Grayson comes to Lilburn.