Indians Edged At Elbert, 34-30

Stephens County comes up just short in the Granite Bowl.

Elbert County scored an early fourth quarter touchdown and made it hold up to edge the Indians 34-30.

The Indians had the ball twice in Blue Devil territory late but could not score.

Head Coach Frank Barden said he is proud of the way the Indians battled against Elbert County on the road and almost pulled out a win.

“You would not expect anything less than we just got in this game down here at Elberton against a great player, a good team, and a well-coached team,” said Barden.  “I cannot say enough about our kids.  They battled their tail off.  They played hard all night long.  There were ups and downs in the game and they battled and battled, both teams just back and forth.  With us fielding the young team we are fielding and they go out and do that right there, yeah, I am proud of them.”

Elbert started the scoring early as Jason Bowman returned the opening kickoff for a score to make it 6-0.

The Indians answered with a Luke Pearson 24 yard field goal to make it 6-3.

Stephens County took a 10-6 lead after Tyrik Combs returned a fumble recovery inside the Elbert 30 yard line and Tyreik Cunningham scored on a 9-yard touchdown run.

Mecole Hardman then took over and scored on runs of 12 and 15 yards and converted a 2 point conversion to make it 20-10.

The Indians hung close and cut it to 20-17 when Donte Thomas recovered Jackson Bell’s fumble in the end zone for a touchdown right before halftime.

After halftime, Stephens County took the lead at 23-20 on an 8-yard touchdown run by Hassan Brown.

However, the Blue Devils answered with a 1-yard touchdown run from La’kell Hood to make it 28-23 after a two point conversion.

Stephens County took its final lead on a 7-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter.

Elbert’s winning touchdown came on a 3-yard touchdown run from Hard man, his third of the night.

One final chance for the Indians ended in the final seconds when Bell was sacked on fourth down.

Cunningham went over 150 yards rushing for Stephens County and the Indians also got an interception from London Harbin and a blocked punt from Gavin Walker.

The Indians are 1-1 on the year and travel to Blue Ridge, South Carolina Friday night.

Meanwhile, Elbert County is 2-0 and plays Westminster on Friday.

PLAYER AWARDS

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Tyreik Cunningham
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Gavin Walker
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Gevarius Brown
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: A.J. Curry