The Griffin Christian Crusaders football team finally got a chance to play someone other than themselves and they didn’t disappoint Friday evening.

The Crusaders’ varsity team offense scored twice in the final minutes of the scrimmage football game, defeating the Arlington Christian Eagles 18-6 at Nix Field. Arlington, which is coached by former UGA and New England Patriots running back Robert Edwards, was a region foe of GCHS when both were in GISA Region 4-AA. GCHS will play in Region 2-AAA this season.

“I was pleasantly surprised with how we played tonight,” said Crusaders head coach Kerry Phillips. “The O-line blocked well and we ran the ball well. We had a great game offensively and defensively and I was pleased with our effort.”

Both teams participated in the Board Drill, and the Crusaders’ linemen outmuscled the Eagles linemen in the “trenches.” After a water break, both varsity teams ran a set number of plays. GCHS was the first to score, getting a 3-yard touchdown run by senior Anthony Lewis for the 6-0 lead. Arlington couldn’t get past the GCHS defense and was held scoreless on its first drive.

After another break, the junior varsity players hit the field and both teams didn’t score in their series. The varsity players took the field again and this time, the Eagles tied the game at 6 on a 10-yard screen pass.

Just when Arlington thought it had the momentum, the GCHS varsity seniors broke the game open. Quarterback Jordan Piland hit wideout Jimmy Hughes for a 50-yard touchdown pass to make the score 12-6 and fullback Blake Yancey sealed the game with a long TD run up the middle for the final 18-6 margin.

“I actually was surprised I caught it — the ball was right on my fingertips,” said Hughes. “It felt pretty good to score and I thought the guys looked good out here tonight. It was a lot of fun out here.”

GCHS scrimmages former region foe Harvester next Friday Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. at home, followed by a road scrimmage at The Heritage School in Newnan on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.