Indians Hang On Late, Edge Purple Hurricanes 42-34

The Stephens County Indian football team builds a lead, then hangs on late to stay unbeaten in Region 8-AAAA play.

Stephens County traveled to Monroe Area High School Friday night and left with a 42-34 win over the Purple Hurricanes.

Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said the win is another positive step forward for Stephens County.

“I mean there are two things we leave this field knowing,” said Barden. “One, we got a ‘W’ on the scoreboard. Two, we have to get better. That is the way it is. That is what this season is all about. That is why it is a journey and that is why you work every week. Those two things we know. We got a ‘W.’ We are 2-0. We will go back to work on Monday.”

Desmond Wheeler had a big game on the ground for Stephens County.

Wheeler ran for more than 250 yards and scored all six touchdowns for the Indians.

He had a 3-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, two 14-yard touchdown runs in the second quarter, two 3-yard touchdown runs in the third quarter, and a 1-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter that gave the Indians a 42-21 lead.

However, Monroe Area quarterback Jacob Olson threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to bring the Purple Hurricanes closer.

First, Olson hit Alfred King for a 22-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-long to make it 42-28, Indians.

Then, Olson found Raymond Gibbs for a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 42-34.

However, Stephens County blocked the extra point, recovered one final onside kick attempt from Monroe Area, and ran out the clock with two first downs.

Monroe Area also got touchdown runs of 77 and 56 yards from C.J. Winding and 3 yards from Ken Almond.

Stephens County moves to 4-1 overall with the win and 2-0 in the region.

Monroe Area is 0-5 overall and 0-2 in the region.

Next week, Stephens County returns home to play White County on Homecoming at the Reservation.

In other Region 8-AAAA action, Buford beat Chestatee 54-7, North Oconee beat North Hall 46-6, and White County came back to edge Madison County 34-27.

Elsewhere around the area, Franklin County lost 27-21 to Lumpkin County.

Player Awards

  • VanMinos Insurance Agency Player of the Game: Desmond Wheeler
  • Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Ben Cleveland
  • X-Factor Sub of the Game: Dawson Long
  • First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Josh Pruitt