Indians Knocked Out By W. Laurens 30-14

The season comes to a close in the second round of the state playoffs for the Stephens County Indian football team.

Stephens County scored the first 14 points of the game, but West Laurens took over from there on their way to a 30-14 win in Dexter Friday night.

Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said it is always tough to see the season end, but adds the team had a great run.

“We had the game going our way, 14-0, and we ran into a buzz saw, but sometimes that happens,” said Barden.

He went on to say he is very proud of the way team played and carried themselves this year, saying the whole team bought in.

“I can’t say enough about these kids,” said Barden. “The seniors laid a tremendous foundation for the younger guys.”

The Indians took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Mason Long found Jermaine Barnett for a 28-yard touchdown pass.

That lead went to 14-0 in the second quarter when Long threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mighell on fourth down.

However, West Laurens tied at 14 at the half on second quarter touchdown passes of 21 and 15 yards from Gerrel Quainton to Justin Smith.

Then in the third quarter, Quainton hit Smith for a 12-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-14.

In the fourth quarter, West Laurens sacked Long in the end zone for a safety to extend the lead to 23-14.

Then, the Raiders wrapped up the scoring when Quainton hit Ramel Mason for a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Quainton had 250 yards passing and four touchdowns for West Laurens.

Meanwhile, Desmond Wheeler added 100 yards rushing to the Indians’ two touchdown passes, taking Wheeler over 1300 yards for the season.

Stephens County finishes the season 8-4, while West Laurens moves to 9-3 and will play St. Pius in the quarterfinals next week.

Two Region 8-AAAA teams are still alive in the state quarterfinals as Buford beat Mary Persons, 35-14, and North Oconee beat Cairo 14-7.

Elsewhere, Hart and Elbert counties both advanced in the AAA playoffs as Hart beat Cook County, 7-0, and Elbert beat Appling County, 54-3.

Player Awards
VanMinos Insurance Agency Player of the Game: Isaiah Mighell
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Desi Garrison
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Dylan Huff
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: A.J. Curry