Indians Back in Football Playoffs With Win Over Madison Co.
For the 28th time in 30 years, the Stephens County Indians will head to post-season football play.
Stephens County punched its ticket to the state playoffs Friday night with a 39-13 win over Madison County at the Reservation in Toccoa.
Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said it was a great night for the seniors and the whole team.
“Our team played hard and we are just trying to get better each week,” said Barden. “We know what we have each week at hand. Each game is of utmost importance because of standings and rankings. I am proud of them. I thought they played well. We will come back on Monday and get ready for another week.”
The Indians jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter on the strength of two A.J. Howard touchdown runs, from 2 and 51 yards respectively.
Howard’s third touchdown run, a 45-yarder, made it 20-0 in favor of Stephens County early in the second quarter.
Madison County got on the board with a K.J. Burton 3-yard touchdown run, but the Indians extended their lead to 26-7 at halftime on an 11-yard touchdown run from Hassan Brown.
Stephens County made it 32-7 early in the second half on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Bell to A.J. Curry.
After K.J. Burton’s second touchdown run, from 4 yards out made it 32-13, the Indians wrapped up the scoring with Jackson Bell’s second touchdown pass, this one a 21-yarder to Donte Thomas.
A.J. Howard finished the game with more than 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns to lead the Indian offense.
On defense, Micah Oglesby had two interceptions and Brandon Wheeler also picked off a pass.
The win moves Stephens County to 7-1 overall on the season and 5-0 in the region, tied atop the standings with Buford.
Also, Stephens County clinched a playoff spot.
Madison County drops to 1-7 overall and 1-4 in the region with the loss.
Stephens County is on the road this coming Friday night at North Oconee, where a win would clinch a home playoff game for the Indians.
Player Awards
Stephens Co. Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Micah Oglesby
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Vonquise Nicely
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Donovan Curry
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Ken Major