Indians Win Close Battle With Warriors

Stephens County sets up a showdown for first place in the region this week with Jefferson.

The Indians remained undefeated in Region 8-AAAA with a close 16-9 victory over the Oconee County Warriors Friday night in Toccoa.

Oconee County, led by former Stephens County Head Coach Travis Noland jumped out to a 9-0 lead, but the Indians scored 16 straight second half points to come from behind for the win.

Head Coach Frank Barden said the Indians hung in there and showed tremendous heart.

“Our ‘D’ has played so great,” said Barden. “It was a great win. It was a great team win. To hang in there, this team won this game because they was prepared and they stayed to their fundamentals and they kept playing ball.”

Oconee County grabbed the lead early on a safety when Stephens County quarterback Jackson Bell was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone with 7:23 left in the first quarter.

The Warriors extended their lead to 9-0 on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Sam Middlebrooks in the second quarter.

Stephens County started its comeback with its first possession in the second half on a 36-yard touchdown run by AJ Howard with 10:14 left in the third quarter to make it 9-7, Warriors.

The Indians would finally take the lead at 10-9 when Luke Pearson kicked a 21-yard field goal with 9:20 left in the game.

Howard would then close out the scoring on a 27-yard touchdown run with only 1:15 left in the game and the Indian defense held Oconee County on its final chance as time ran out on the game.

With the win, Stephens County improves to 7-1 on the season and 3-0 in Region 8-AAAA.

Meanwhile, Oconee County falls to 6-2 and 2-1 in the region.

The Indians will be on the road this Friday night as they travel to Jefferson, who is also undefeated in region play at 3-0, in a battle for first place in the region.

Player Awards

 

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game:  Luke Pearson

Hart E-M-C Lineman of the Game:  Griff Pruitt

X-Factor Grill Sub of the Game:  AJ Curry

First Baptist Church of Toccoa Spirit Award:  Grant Dye