It would be an understatement to say Starr's Mill was opportunistic in its victory over Cherokee in the Corky Kell Classic. The Panthers converted three turnovers into touchdowns and used the legs of quarterback Robby Davis to claim a 35-7 season-opening victory at the Georgia Dome.

On the first play of the second quarter, defensive end Kevin Farrow scooped up a fumble by Cherokee running back Jonathan Davis.

On the third play of the ensuing drive, Greg Davis scored from 1 yard out to make it 14-0.

Starr's Mill was just getting started.

Cherokee's next possession was more of the same as Santrez Collier picked up an Elijah Edmondson fumble and marched 42 yards for a touchdown that made it 21-0. The Starr's Mill defense was stingy in the opening half, allowing only 48 total yards.

"The turnovers were the story," Starr's Mill coach Mike Earwood said. "It took the wind out of [Cherokee's] sails and really got us going. And converting the turnovers [into touchdowns] is always a good thing."

Robby Davis had 130 total yards, including a 7-yard pass to Greg Davis that opened the scoring. He gained 53 of his 76 rushing yards on a touchdown run following Collier's second fumble recovery, making it 28-0.

Earwood said he was impressed with his senior quarterback's opening game.

"Robby did a brilliant job of running the offense today," Earwood said.

"He's got the mind for it and the confidence, and he gives us a lot of options."

Said Robby Davis: "Execution was a huge thing; we really came together well and had a great effort. And we held onto the ball and that was huge."

To make matters worse for Cherokee in the fourth quarter, Panthers linebacker Ryan Mullikan forced another fumble, and Nick Fevella ran 75 yards for a touchdown that put Starr's Mill up 35-0.

"We had a lot of different people do a lot of things for us today," Earwood added.

Cherokee finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. A seven-play, 61-yard drive was capped by Jonathan Davis' 36-yard touchdown run. The Warriors had 210 rushing yards, including 58 from Davis, and were barely outgained by Starr's Mill — 226-222.

Cherokee 0 0 0 7 — 7

Starr's Mill 7 14 0 14 — 35

SM — Greg Davis 7 pass from Robby Davis (Johnathan Whitlow kick)

SM — Greg Davis 1 run (Whitlow kick)

SM — Santrez Collier 42 fumble return (Whitlow kick)

SM — Robby Davis 53 run (Whitlow kick)

SM — Nick Fevella 75 fumble return (Whitlow kick)

C — Jonathan Davis 36 run (Michael VanZanten kick)