Touchdowns and takeaways: How Eastside dominated Hiram and what it means going forward
By Evan Washington
Eastside quarterback Payton Shaw (14) spins a pass against the Hiram defense during the Eagles’ 48-21 win at Hiram Friday night. | Photo by Dave Williamson
Eastside’s Tyler Marks is part of a senior-heavy Eagles squad that’s off to its first 2-0 start since 2018. | Photo by Deshon Hardeman
HIRAM, Ga. — The Eastside Eagles (2-0) got their second win of the GHSA Football season, beating the Hiram Hornets (1-1) 48-21 in a non-region matchup on Friday night that pitted two 2023 playoff teams.
The victory gives the Eagles their first away victory of the season, and their first 2-0 start since 2018, continuing the 2024 season momentum that began with last week’s season opening win against Newton — another feat Eastside hadn’t accomplished in the last six seasons.
Eastside coach Jay Cawthon was wary about how his team might start, given the emotions from the past seven days, but he says he was pleased with the focus and effort his team displayed.
“You know, I was so proud of our guys,” Cawthon said. “ We had talked all week about this being a trap game coming off of a big win last week…very proud of our leadership, in how we came out fast, because we were worried we were going to come out flat.”
Eastside bolted to a quick two-score lead early, then went into halftime with a 34-14 advantage. When the third quarter began, the Eagles looked just as sharp as when the game began.
Quarterback Payton Shaw threw to running back Jayden Barr for a 50-yard touchdown, putting the eagles up 41-14 in the third.
In the fourth quarter, Hornets running back Kayden Hamilton was able to score an 8-yard rushing touchdown, but Barr promptly responded with a 10-yard rushing touchdown to provide the game’s final margin.
Eastside has two more non-region games — one with in-county rival Alcovy next Friday, and then with Class AAAAAA Archer — before it begins Region 8-AAAA play on Sept. 20 by hosting Flowery Branch.
CHAMPIONSHIP FOCUS
When asked about what his team could improve upon in preparation for their next week's game, Cawthon insisted his team “can’t turn the ball over three times.”
“We talked about that, as championship winning football teams, that’s their goal, we can’t turn the ball over,” he said. “We have got to finish drives, keep our defense off of the field, but I am so very proud of our guys.”
The Eagles opened the game with two scores — a rushing touchdown by senior running back Jayden Barr and 70-yard touchdown pass from Shaw to wide receiver Chase Jordan, giving them that 13-0 lead.
After the Hornets threw an interception, the Eagles were able to capitalize when Shaw connected with wide receiver Tyler Hoff for the touchdown early in the second quarter, giving the Eagles a 20-0 lead.
The Hornets eventually gained some momentum with junior quarterback Ethan Latimore passing to senior wide receiver Chris Anderson for a near-30-yard touchdown.
The Eagles would make two back-to-back scores in response to the Hornets score, with Barr scoring both an 80-yard kick return as well as a forced fumble from the Hornets, in which Barr recovered for another touchdown on the night.
Despite some scoring outputs by the Hornets, the Eagles were able to connect on more scoring possessions, ultimately leading to the 48-21 victory.
POST-GAME TAKEAWAYS
1. Eastside’s defense contributed profoundly to the team's victory.
The Eagles’ front line did a spectacular job getting pressure on the Hornets’ offensive line and making it tough for the Hornets to run the ball. Eastside’s defense was strong from the game's opening, and kept the pressure up throughout.
2. Eastside displayed a very well-rounded offensive attack.
The Eagles got it done through the air and on the ground.
Shaw looked especially sharp behind center. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior completed 7-of-11 passes for 180 yards and three scores. Barr, a Georgia Tech commit, had three touchdowns through offense and special teams, with one being receiving, rushing, and an 80 yard kick return, not including his work on defense.
This offensive versatility can pose as tough for teams to compete against as teams will have to account for the Eagles’ ability to put points on the board in multiple ways..
In addition to Shaw and Barr’s stellar performances, running Back Myles Mims had another solid game as he rushed for 89 yards.
Eastside now sets its sights on its 7:30 p.m. kickoff with Alcovy Friday. A win will give Eastside its first Newton Cup championship as it will have successfully defeated both of its two in-county rivals for the year.