Atlanta, GA- The long-awaited moment finally arrived for the Cross Keys Phoenix on Friday night. After nearly four full seasons of heartbreak, the Phoenix broke through in emotional fashion, defeating Skipstone Academy 20-12 on Senior Night to snap a 43-game losing streak.
The victory marked the program’s first win since the COVID-shortened 2020 season, when Cross Keys opened with a 28-7 triumph over Notre Dame Academy. Since then, the team had endured years of close calls and near-misses, including a heartbreaking 34-33 loss to Skipstone in last year’s season finale.
The Phoenix (1-9) wasted no time setting the tone. Late in the first quarter, senior running back Justin Guerrero broke through the Skipstone defense for a rushing touchdown, giving Cross Keys an early 6-0 lead. Skipstone (0-7) responded midway through the second quarter to even the score at 6-6, and the teams went into halftime deadlocked.
Guerrero, one of three seniors who played pivotal roles in the win, struck again in the third quarter. With just over five minutes remaining in the period, he powered his way into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game, reclaiming the lead for Cross Keys at 14-6.
From there, it was up to the defense and senior leadership to close things out. The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Homecoming King and senior quarterback Gustavo Martinez capped off a determined drive with a touchdown run, pushing the lead to 20-6 with 2:26 left to play.
Skipstone added a late score to narrow the margin to 20-12, but by then, the outcome was sealed and the long drought was finally over.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock, fans, players, and coaches celebrated on the field, embracing the rare but well-deserved moment of triumph. The victory not only ended one of the state’s longest active losing streaks but also symbolized resilience, heart, and community. For the seniors who have weathered years of adversity, it was the perfect ending to their high school careers, a reminder that perseverance pays off.
Final Score: Cross Keys 20, Skipstone Academy 12
Key Performers:
- Justin Guerrero (SR): 2 rushing touchdowns
- Gustavo Martinez (SR): 1 rushing touchdown, game-clinching score
For the Cross Keys Phoenix, Friday night wasn’t just about a win on the scoreboard — it was about pride, persistence, and the power of believing in something bigger than the record books.
