ATLANTA — Carver-Columbus delivered decisive plays in the fourth quarter to win its second straight Class 2A state championship, defeating Hapeville Charter 24-7 on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The top-ranked Tigers finished 15-0, posting just the second unbeaten season in school history and giving coach Jarvis Jones a state title in his first year as head coach.
Carver opened the scoring late in the first quarter on a 33-yard field goal by Kendrick Spencer. The Tigers then extended the lead to 10-0 on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Sebastian Heard to Keimaurii Miles.
Hapeville Charter cut the margin to 10-7 in the third quarter on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Keylan Pope to Cedric Walker. The Hornets appeared poised to take the lead moments later on a long punt return by Zion Crawford, but a holding penalty nullified the play and Hapeville eventually punted.
Carver seized control early in the fourth quarter when Jakobe Caslin scored on a 1-yard run with 6:49 remaining. The drive was set up by a 45-yard run from Zach Watts. On the ensuing play from scrimmage, JaMarcus Davis intercepted a pass and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown to put the game away.
Heard completed 9 of 13 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. Caslin caught three passes to go along with his rushing score.
Hapeville Charter (10-5) was limited to 85 total yards and five first downs. The Hornets rushed for 54 yards and passed for 31.
Carver’s defense was led by Tristian Givens, who recorded a sack and forced a fumble. Makevious Yancie and Davis had interceptions, with Davis also recovering a fumble.
Rashad Williamson led Hapeville’s defense with 10 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Elijah Raines added nine tackles.
