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Prince Avenue football wide receivers growing up fast, show out in state quarterfinals

BOGART − Prince Avenue Christian football has put itself back in the Georgia High School Association state semifinals, defeating Irwin County 41-7 on Friday night.

Senior wide receiver Connor Causby and freshman wide receiver Hudson Hill carried the Wolverines, each scoring two touchdowns in the frigid quarterfinal showdown.

This is Hill's first season wearing the blue and gold, and it's nothing like he pictured.

"The Lord gave me ability, a shot, an opportunity and I took it," Hill said. "Other student sections at other schools call me 'freshman' and 'fresh meat,' saying how my mommy has to drive me to school − which is true and is awesome for me. I'm small, but the Lord gave me ability and talent and I'm so thankful for him. It's so awesome being out here as a freshman and (kicking) people's (butts)."

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Hill, 15, is having a massive rookie season, much like Keyon Standifer over at Athens Academy. He came into Friday's game with 59 receptions for 865 yards and 13 touchdowns, as well as 13 solo tackles on defense. Against Irwin County, Hill added a 7-yard rush in the second quarter and another score in the fourth.

He's been learning his tricks from Causby, who came into Friday's game with 107 carries for 810 yards and 12 touchdowns and 34 receptions for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Causby added a 6-yard rush in the first quarter and another in the second to cap a two-play, 82-yard drive for the Wolverines.

The pair have combined for 35 Prince Avenue touchdowns in 12 games.

Prince Avenue players celebrate with Hudson Hill (2) after his touchdown during Friday's state quarterfinal victory.
Prince Avenue players celebrate with Hudson Hill (2) after his touchdown during Friday's state quarterfinal victory.

"He's my size, he's kind of small like me but he's fast. He's shifty," Hill said. "He loves on me. Me and him are good friends, he gives me thanks and glory."

Causby has nothing to worry about when he graduates. He'll be leaving Hill behind, already snug tight in his shoes, ready to take over.

"I tell him, just trust the process. Stay in the weight room, make wise choices and keep going at it," Causby said. "With him being undersized as a freshman, just to ... keep that behind him and play his heart out."

Causby went out in the second half with a sprain to his right shoulder but hopes to be back next week.

Top-seeded Prince Avenue (12-1) will host Bryan County (12-1) next Friday, Dec. 1 in the Class A-Division I semifinals.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: GHSA football playoffs: Prince Avenue in semifinals with young WR stars