The Baldwin Braves (3-1) enjoyed a good bounce-back win last Friday night with a 20-10 decision over Washington County (1-2) after suffering their first loss two weeks ago against Ware County.
The Braves were led by running backs Sadur Salahuddin and Micah Welch, who combined for 269 yards rushing against the Golden Hawks and contributed significantly to the Braves’ 410 total yards of offense.
Defensive end Jonquavious Russell led the Braves defense with six tackles and two sacks. Omarion Fraley and Ahmad Reeves each had tackles for loss, too.
But it was a 29-yard touchdown pass that opened the scoring for Baldwin when quarterback Lamar Pounds hit Jaylen Boone for the Braves’ first points of the night.
After Washington County got three points on the board with a field goal, Pounds connected with Armontae Palmer for a 64-yard gain and then threw his second scoring pass of the night to give the Braves a 12-3 lead at halftime.
However, Baldwin’s offense stalled to start the second half when it was forced into punting the ball to the Golden Hawks. Washington County eventually punted back to Baldwin, but the Braves’ struggles continued on their next drive with the Golden Hawks intercepting Pounds.
Washington County failed to capitalize, though, and the game went to the fourth quarter.
Baldwin eventually took advantage of Washington County's struggles and scored on a Sadur Salahuddin rushing touchdown from two yards out. Baldwin then made a two-point conversion, with Pounds passing to Jaylen King to put the game away for the Braves. The Golden Hawks scored a touchdown in the dying minutes of the game to reach the 20-10 final.
Baldwin has a bye this Friday but will return to play on Sept. 22, when it travels to Spalding High School in Griffin.