Coach Kerry Phillips’ Griffin Christian football team heads into its GISA Region 2-AAA opener Friday at John Milledge Academy in Milledgeville with a head of steam after last week’s 35-7 win against Fullington Academy.

“We were very excited about that game,” said Phillips. “It’s good to have a game like that going into the region.”

Griffin Daily News 2009 Offensive Player of the Year Anthony Lewis had the longest touchdown run of his career (85 yards) and his best outing since setting the school record last year (316 yards and 6 TDs), as he rushed 18 times for 294 yards and TDs of 70, 80 and 85 yards to lead the Crusaders to their first victory ever against the Trojans.

“The kids played very well,” said Phillips.

A newspaper article that made reference to his team being “the medicine that’s going to make them (Fullington) better,” further served to fire up Griffin Christian, said Phillips.

Quarterback Jordan Piland furthered his team’s cause with touchdown passes of 12 yards to Austin Craft and 34 yards to Coleman Bailey. Kicker Alex Lowry also went 5-for-5 on extra points to put the finishing touches on his team’s victory.

“The linemen graded out at 74 percent which is very good for us — it’s pretty good for anybody,” said Phillips.

This week the Crusaders (2-1 overall) take on John Milledge Academy (2-0-1) in the first meeting ever between the two teams.

John Milledge opened the season topping the Brentwood School (31-28) and Windsor Academy (35-14) in back-to-back weeks before settling for a 27-all tie last week against the Brookwood School.

“When you look at John Milledge on film you see they are a lot like us,” said Phillips, noting they run the I-formation on offense and out of 4 and 5-man fronts on defense like GCHS. “If there is a difference it’s we have a little more speed.”

Griffin Christian will try to put that speed in space Friday against the JM Trojans.

GAME BOX

GAME: Griffin Christian Crusaders (2-1) at John Milledge Academy Trojans (2-0-1)

TIME: 7:30 p.m. Friday, at John Milledge

LAST MEETING: First meeting

LAST WEEK: Anthony Lewis rushed for 3 TDs, including a career-high 85-yarder, and Jordan Piland tossed 2 TD passes as GCHS throttled Fullington 35-7 at home last Friday.