East Coweta used a dominant second quarter and a backbreaking third-quarter run to put away Denmark 28-14 on Friday night.
After a scoreless first quarter, Denmark struck first early in the second. Quarterback Evan Jones capped a drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, and the extra point put the Danes ahead 7-0.
East Coweta answered and then seized control of the game before halftime.
Running back Justin Brown powered in from 1 yard out with about five minutes left in the half to tie the game at 7-7 after the extra point. Brown added another score a few minutes later, this time on a 4-yard run, and kicker Aaron McWilliams made it 14-7.
East Coweta was not done.
Quarterback Jax Bowles connected with Walter Maestre on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the second quarter. McWilliams’ third PAT sent the Indians into halftime with a 21-7 lead after a 21-point second quarter.
East Coweta extended the margin early in the third. Running back Chance Gilbert broke free for an 80-yard rushing touchdown with about 10 minutes to go in the quarter. McWilliams again converted the PAT for a 28-7 advantage.
Denmark added a late score in the fourth quarter when Jones found Noah Laban for a 15-yard touchdown pass with about seven minutes remaining. Jake Snyder’s extra point cut the deficit to 28-14, but East Coweta’s earlier surge held up the rest of the way.
East Coweta will host Walton in the next round of the playoffs next Friday.