Archer Shocks Parkview in 40-16 Upset

The Archer Tigers virtually washed away Parkview's playoff hopes with a surprising upset in a rain-soaked upset at the Big Orange Jungle.
 
After a stunning loss to Brookwood last week, appeared to be ready for battle against the Archer Tigers. Apparently, the Tigers had another plan. Archer took complete advantage of Parkview turnovers and cruised to a 40-16 win on Senior Day, putting a serious dent in Parkview's playoff hopes.

Parkview fell to 4-5 overall, 4-3 in Region 8-AAAAA. Archer (5-4, 4-3), which is in only its second full varsity season, can earn its first playoff berth with a win over South Gwinnett, or a Parkview loss at second-place Dacula next week. Friday's win gave the Tigers the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over the Panthers, who have missed the playoffs only once since 1993.

After coming out on the losing end of one of the most fiercest and emotional battles against Brookwood in THE RIVALRY series last week, the Panthers appeared to be flat, causing them to miss several tackles that ultimately led to five Archer touchdowns, a field goal and a safety.

The Panthers, who were playing in front of a loyal crowd that braved the cold, rainy weather, did not show up on defense and had too many turnovers that cost them points.

On the opening drive, Parkview drove down to the Archer 2-yard line and decided to go for it on fourth and goal. But junior running back Chris Carson was stopped cold by a barage of Archer defenders.

Archer took over on the Parkview 2-yard line and drove 94 yards to within the Parkview 4. But Archer fumbled the ball on the 2.

Parkview took over on the its own 2, but the on very next play, Jack Esmonde fumbled the snap and Archer regained possession at the Parkview 4, and on the next play, Archer running back Ernest Alexander scored to go up 7-0.

On the next Panther possession Parkview was forced to punt. The snap to punter Hunter Thornton went over his head and Thornton kicked the ball out of the end zone which led to a Archer safety. Archer went up 9-0 and never looked back and continued to score on every Parkview mishap, fumble and miscue.

The Parkview defense showed flashes of tenacity with some good plays from junior linebacker Sam Willis, junior safety Shaquille Vereen, junior linebacker Brian Miller, junior linebacker Kyle Williams and senior linebacker Taylor Joy.

Carson led the offense with two touchdowns and over 150 yards rushing.

The Panthers need a wing, a prayer and lots of luck if they are going to make the playoffs. The playoff senario is quite simple; beat Dacula at Dacula next Friday and an Archer loss against South Gwinnett will put Parkview in fourth place and a possible first-round playoff matchup with North Gwinnett.