North Gwinnett head coach Zach Smith knew a game with Norcross would be difficult, even without either team having a full roster.

Both programs were playing on Thursday night because its football teams are in the semifinals of the state playoffs. The Bulldogs got out of the gate quickly before having to hold for a 49-47. North Gwinnett is ranked No. 8 in the Hoopseen.com Power Poll. Norcross was fifth.

North Gwinnett (5-0, 2-0) was in control of the ball game from the opening tip. The Bulldogs tenacious defense held the Blue Devils to single digits in the first quarter. However, this game was only getting started between these region favorites.

“They have a tone of depth,” Smith said. “They kept sending guys at us. Eventually we were done but our guys battled back. They found something in themselves and fought through the fatigue.”

With the score tied at 34-34 late in the third quarter, North Gwinnett’s offense sputtered for a remainder of that quarter and through most of the final period. Norcross was getting into an offensive rhythm and took a 45-40 lead with 3:55 to play in the game.

This is when TJ Howard put it on himself to will the Bulldogs to victory. The junior guard hit back to back three-pointers for a 46-45 lead. Norcross took the lead again before North marched to the free throw line for the final score. Howard finished with 15 points.

“TJ has grown up since last year mentally,” Smith said. “His shots weren’t falling early but he stayed with it.”

Norcross (2-2, 1-1) stayed with it as well. The Blue Devils offense was inept in the first quarter before it picked up steam before trailing 23-20 at halftime.

Adjustments were made and some players stepped it up when needed most. Ricky Madison was the catalyst. The 6-foot-7 junior forward recorded some easy baskets in transition. He finished with 15 points on the night. Another contributor was William Gibbons. The reserve guard scored nine points, none bigger than the back-to-back three-pointers that helped Norcross get back in the game and the eventual lead.

Despite a slow start, the Blue Devils still had an opportunity to win the game in the final seconds. Norcross was unable to execute the play.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Blue Devils coach Jesse McMillian said. “We had a chance to win.”

McMillian told his team to remember how things were a year ago. They missed an opportunity to win a season-opener because of poor execution on a final play. The team worked on it and learned how to close out games before winning the AAAAAA state championship.

There is no guarantee the Norcross will be back in the finals, but both coaches know the rematch will look completely different on Jan. 14.

“We are the only teams who have major contributors on the football team,” McMillian said. “I am focused on us competing and building chemistry until those guys come back.”

Smith added, “When we meet again, we will both be at full strength. We know they are going to get better and we have to get better.”

Notes: The Bulldogs’ Malik Carter pulled down 11 rebounds. … Ahmad Caver had a highlight dunk of the night. … North Gwinnett’s Jack Stucke chipped in with eight points. … Both teams struggled from the free throw line. Norcross was 11-for-22, while North Gwinnett was 15-for-22. … Norcross’ Tim Cameron left the game after hurting his hand in the first quarter. … Gibbons was playing his first game of the season since returning from a thumb injury. He scored all of his points in the second half. … Norcross’ Thomas Cameron finished with nine points.