By Lanie Angel

Marietta Daily Journal

MABLETON – Whitefield Academy got back to its winning ways, and remained firmly in contention for the Class 1A private-school playoffs with a 25-7 victory over Pinecrest Academy on Friday.

Luke Persons returned under center and completed 8 of 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown and Kaleb Brooks made his one carry count, going 68 yards for another score.

The victory gives the Wolfpack momentum heading into next week’s matchup against rival Walker.

“We just have to get better and work really hard in practice this next week,” Whitefield coach John Hunter said. “I thought defensively we played very well and we only gave up one big play. We had too many mental mistakes and when we get to where we are now where we are about to take on Walker and trying to make playoffs, those kinds of mental mistakes will hurt us.”

The Wolfpack got on the scoreboard first with Brooks run for a 6-0 lead.

Matthew Sumlin increased the lead to 9-0 in the second quarter with a 38-yard field goal.

Pinecrest found it difficult to move the ball most of the night, but it trimmed the lead to 9-7 on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Micky Mangan to David Stubbs. Mangan led the Paladins offense with 106 yards of total offense.

Persons connected on a 48-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Holt in the third quarter. Thomas Joiner, who had filled in for Persons at quarterback the last few games, had a 1-yard touchdown run and was credited for a safety when he sacked Mangan in the end zone.

Austin Sunter and Chip Goldsmith helped seal the game with interceptions in the fourth quarter.

“I think we are ready to play good ball at this point but it all comes down to who wants to play,” Hunter said. “What we did tonight shows that we have to get a lot better before next Friday.”