ACWORTH – Allatoona coach Brad Smith said the Buccaneers’ success Friday against Cedartown would hinge on the running game.

Call the third-year coach a prophet, as the Buccaneers rushed for 182 yards and held the Bulldogs’ offense in check in a 20-7 home win to open Region 7AAAA play at Cobb EMC/Buccaneer Stadium.

“We’re missing a big player, we’re playing two backup quarterbacks who could probably be starting at a lot of places. We’re banged-up,” Smith said. “To come out with a win against a really good team is a testament to our coaches and players.”

Running back Xavier Rucker sat out the game because of suspension, so Ethan Corpus seized his moment, rushing for 128 yards and a touchdown behind a patchwork offensive line.

“With Xavier out, Ethan stepped up in a huge way for us,” Smit

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