By JIM WINKLER

Southwest DeKalb left no doubt in any prep football observer’s mind that it deserves the No. 1 rating it has received in some polls.

The Panthers, executing perfect teamwork, soundly swept by a good Druid Hills team, 42 to 3, before a standing room only crowd of over 5,500 screaming fans at Adams Stadium Saturday night.

Southwest came into the matchup of unbeatens with the reigning state AA crown on its head and left with sole leadership of Region 4AA North and a strong bid to be No. 1 in all polls around the state.

The Panthers got a tremendous performance from many individuals, but the running of Gregory Graves has to be cited. The senior tailback rushed for 203 yards on 19 carries, including a touchdown in the third period on a seven yard right tackle run by quarterback Marty Snider.

Southwest DeKalb scored on an opening series, driving 65 yards in nine plays. Graves, along with fullback Randy Wagner, who finished with 45 yards rushing, were the most instrumental in the effort until Snider elected to plunge from a yard out for the first Panther touchdown.