Indians Give Raiders 1st Loss

 

The “Battle of Currahee Mountain” goes to Stephens County.

Friday night at the Reservation in Toccoa, the Indians jumped out early and beat Habersham Central, 27-7.

Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said it was a great overall effort by Stephens County.

“Our kids worked really hard Monday through Thursday,” said Barden. “We are trying to get better each week. It is very important for us to put a good product out on the field for our community to be proud of. Anytime you can beat a rival, a nearby neighbor, with a big crowd on a Friday night when they come down here undefeated, it is a real good win.”

Stephens County was led the entire game by great defense, including a goal line stand in the first quarter, to keep the Raiders off of the scoreboard until late, when the outcome was decided.

Hassan Brown got the Indians on the scoreboard first with a 15-yard touchdown run.

Two second quarter touchdown runs from A.J. Howard, of 22 yards and 30 yards, extended the Indians’ lead as the teams headed to the locker rooms at halftime.

Brown’s second touchdown run of the game, a 36-yarder in the third quarter, put the Indians ahead 27-0.

Habersham finally scored with less than three minutes to go in the game when Cole Wilbanks found Aaron Wood for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

For the game, Stephens County had over 400 yards of total offense, led by 159 yards rushing and 43 yards receiving for A.J. Howard. Hassan Brown added 122 rushing yards.

Defensively, the Indians held Habersham Central to less than 250 total yards.

With the win, the Indians move to 3-1 on the year and Habersham Central drops its first game of the year as the Raiders are now 3-1.

Stephens County heads back out on the road Friday night to face Hart County in a non-region game.

Meanwhile, Habersham Central is also on the road this Friday to face Chestatee.

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game:  A. J. Howard

Hart E-M-C Lineman of the Game:  Isaiah Crawford

X-Factor Grill Sub of the Game:  Kamon Taylor

First Baptist Church of Toccoa Spirit Award:  Tracey Lowery