31-10 Win Puts Indians in State Football Playoffs

Stephens County will be one of the four teams in the state AAAA football playoffs representing Region 8.

The Indians scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to break open a 10-10 tie and beat Madison County 31-10 Friday night in Danielsville.

Indians Head Coach Frank Barden said the team did a great job to go on the road and get the win.

“We knew it was going to be a four-quarter game,” said Barden. “We knew it was going to be a tough game. I could not be more proud of our guys. They battle, they battle, they battle. They just keep competing. They keep pulling for each other. They just battle.”

Stephens County started the scoring on a 28-yard field goal from Jacob Oliver halfway through the first quarter.

The Red Raiders tied it at 3 with four minutes left in the second quarter on a 35-yard field goal from Levi Larkins.

However, the Indians took the lead right back as Mason Long scored on a nine-yard touchdown run to give the Indians a 10-3 lead that they took into halftime.

In the third quarter, Madison County struck first as Malik Freeman stripped the ball and returned the fumble for a touchdown to tie the game at 10.

Still tied late in the third quarter, Long scored on a four-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal to put Stephens County in front to stay.

Then seconds later, Micah Oglesby intercepted a Madison County pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Indians a 24-10 lead.

Stephens County ended the scoring on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Long to Devin Burns on fourth down with less than six minutes to go.

The win moves the Indians to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in Region 8-AAAA.

Also, it puts Stephens County into the state playoffs for the 27th time in 29 years dating back to 1986.

Madison County drops to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the region with the loss.

Stephens County returns home next week to face North Oconee.

In other Region 8-AAAA action from Friday, Buford remains tied for the region lead with Stephens County after beating North Oconee 58-3, White County came from behind to beat Chestatee 50-28, and North Hall edged Monroe Area 38-35.

Elsewhere in the area, Habersham Central lost to Johns Creek 42-14, Franklin County fell to East Hall 34-7, and Hart County beat Oconee County 49-21.

Player Awards
VanMinos Insurance Agency Player of the Game: Micah Oglesby
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Devin Burns
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Gevarius Brown
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Logan Pyle