The Salem Lions kicked off the 2022 DeKalb County Middle School football season with a 28-0 win over the Chamblee Bulldogs as the Lions began their defense of the 2021 Trail to the Title championship this past Saturday.

Three different players scored for the Lions (1-0) including Deion Saunders, Dontavious Bell and Ty Sam got into the end zone. Malachi Veasley added an interception as the defense shutout the Bulldogs (0-1).

Stone Mountain 12, Columbia 6
The Stone Mountain Pirates scored 12 first half points and held of the Columbia Eagles 12-6 for a season opening win. The Pirates (1-0) got touchdowns by quarterback Braydon Suprisse (rushing) and Jayden Joyner (pick-six for 65 yards just before the half). Chris Williams had a sack for the Pirate defense. Michael Carter scored on a run for Columbia (0-1) in the second half to cut the lead in half and Nolan Donahue added an interception for the Eagles’ defense. Stone Mountain did not win its first game until Week 5 a year ago.

Stephenson 40, Bethune 8
The 2021 Trail to the Title runners-up Stephenson Jaguars opened the 2022 campaign with a 40-8 victory over the Bethune Lions. Bethune (0-1) led by L’Markus Scott, Jordan Walker and Rashaad Silver jumped out 8-0 on the opening possession of the game before the Jaguars (1-0) would go on to score 40 unanswered points for the win. Stephenson were led on offense by Jaylan Johnson (100 yards rushing, 1 TD, 1 two-point conversion), Ja’Mare Toliver (2 TDs, 1 two-point conversion) and seventh grader Gavin Kinchen (50-yard TD run on his first carry). The defense was led by Jordan Christie (60-yard pick-six) and Kwame Green and Eli Harris.

Tucker 34, Champion 0
The Tucker Tigers rebounded from a shortened season in 2021 (only 3 games) to open the new fall with a big 34-0 victory over the Champion Crusaders (0-1). Tucker (1-0) was led by quarterback Jace German (2 passing TDs, 1 rushing) and Christian Ema (1 receiving TD, 1 pick-six TD). Tizazau Jekamo caught the other touchdown pass from German and Christian Copeland added a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Nehemiah Johnson added an interception on defense.

Lithonia 54, Sequoyah 0
The Lithonia Bulldogs kicked off the new season with a 54-0 win over the Sequoyah Braves (0-1). Quarterback Armani Myco led the way for the Bulldogs (1-0) accounting for four touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing). He connected with JJ Milliner twice and Orlando Myco on the third passing touchdown. Devis Dean added two rushing touchdowns and Blake Sherman another. Demetrius Hardy had a 12-yard, pick-six for a score and Quinton Rhodes had five tackles.

Henderson 30, Freedom 16
Two pick-six touchdowns by the Henderson Cougars’ defense led the way to a season opening 30-16 win over the Freedom Rams on Saturday. Jaden Turner and Giovanni Banks got the Cougars defense off to a big jump start as both returned interceptions for touchdowns. Banks added three more scores from the line of scrimmage for Henderson (1-0). Freedom (0-1) was led by the play of Onario Clay Watson. Watson scored on a rushing touchdown and threw 40 yards to Geordan Curry for another. Eric Bell and Watson tacked on the two-point conversions.

Cedar Grove 52, Druid Hills 0
Kaylin Williams had a big day for the Cedar Grove Saints leading his team toa 52-0 win over Druid Hills to kickstart the new season. Williams (85 yards rushing) had one touchdown and three two-point conversions for Cedar Grove (1-0). Quincy Edwards and Jaylen Thomas added rushing touchdowns. The Saints’ defense was led by Waylon Wooten (8 tackles for a loss) who had two tackles for safeties. King Parrom returned a fumble 60 yards for a score.

Miller Grove 2, McNair 0
A safety by the Miller Grove Wolverines in the final two minutes of the game propelled them to a 2-0 victory over the McNair Mustangs. Miller Grove opens the season at 1-0 and McNair falls to 0-1.

All 18 teams hit the playing field this week as Chapel Hill and Redan get their seasons underway after byes in the opening week.

DCSD MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 1
Saturday, Aug. 27
Cedar Grove (1-0) 52, Druid Hills (0-1) 0
Henderson (1-0) 30, Freedom (0-1) 16
Lithonia (1-0) 54, Sequoyah (0-1) 0
Miller Grove 2, McNair 0
Salem 28, Chamblee 0
Stephenson (1-0) 40, Bethune (0-1) 8
Stone Mountain (1-0) 12, Columbia (0-1) 6
Tucker (1-0) 34, Champion (0-1) 0
Open: Chapel Hill, Redan

DCSD MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2
Saturday, Sept. 3
ADAMS STADIUM
Druid Hills (0-1) vs. Columbia (0-1), 10:00 am
Tucker (1-0) vs. Henderson (1-0), 11:30 am

AVONDALE STADIUM
Redan (0-0) vs. Stephenson (1-0), 10:00 am
Lithonia (1-0) vs. Chamblee (0-1), 11:30 am

GODFREY STADIUM
Cedar Grove (1-0) vs. Miller Grove (1-0), 10:00 am
McNair (0-1) vs. Chapel Hill (0-0), 11:30 am

HALLFORD STADIUM
Stone Mountain (1-0) vs. Bethune (0-1), 11:30 am
Champion (0-1) vs. Salem (0-1), 10:00 am

NORTH DEKALB STADIUM
Sequoyah (0-1) vs. Freedom (0-1), 10:00 am