FRIDAY NIGHT SCOREBOARD: Trinity, Brentwood fall in openers

Opening night got off to a hopeful start, but turned long after about a quarter of football for both Trinity and Brentwood in losses to some longtime nemeses at home Friday night, as the Heart of Georgia’s GIAA members got the regular season under way a week early.

Here’s a look at how both games turned out, and your area-wide scoreboard (scrimmage results not included). Look for full coverage later this weekend online, and in next week’s print editions, along with the 2026 Heart of Georgia Football preview section, launching Thursday.

Briarwood 47, Trinity 6

The Crusaders made progress on the ground, but ran into third-down roadblocks on all except a drive out of halftime that reached the end zone to briefly dent Briarwood’s four-score advantage on a short touchdown pass from Jude Evans to Mason Lane. Trinity’s D answered the bell early, forcing punts on three of the Bucs’ first four possessions. But the clock was uncooperative with efforts to get the 7-0 lead to halftime, as Briarwood made the most of about four remaining minutes to triple its total, before reeling off four more scores on mostly quick-hit drives in the second half. The Crusaders would be worn down by the open field speed of Orrin Wynn (who rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns), and Carson Callaway (who had 105 on a pair of TD catches, plus an interception for the game’s only turnover). Bucs’ quarterback Cutler Fleming was 9-of-15 passing for 206 yards, and rushed for an additional 46. Will-J Harris had 64 yards, and Tayt Evans 36, to lead the Trinity rushing attack.

John Milledge 31, Brentwood 7

The Eagles drew first blood late in the opening quarter on a 79-yard deep strike from Baylor Cobb to Quez Collins, just after taking the ball away on a JMA fumble in the red zone. But the Trojans didn’t miss an opportunity the rest of the night, punching in four touchdowns – two rushing by Asa Wall – and scratching out a safety to score the rest of the game’s points unanswered.

Other area finals…

Thomas Jefferson 13, Westminster 0

Stratford 35, Windsor 7

Flint River 39, Robert Toombs 6

Mount de Sales 33, Central Fellowship 14

Pacelli 22, FPD 21