Indians Drop First Region Football Game

Stephens County gets off to a tough start in region football play.

St. Pius jumped out to a 21-7 halftime lead and did not look back as the Golden Lions beat the Indians at the Reservation in Toccoa on Friday, 28-13, in the first Region 8-AAAA football game for both teams.

“They were one of the playoff teams last year and they will be a playoff team this year,” said Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden. “They are a good football team, but really, as we go back and watch on film, I think we played against ourselves more tonight than we did against St. Pius. Not to take anything away from them, but there were a lot of mistakes tonight.”

St. Pius scored first, blocking an Indian punt and scoring two plays later on a 5-yard touchdown run by Jason Jones.

Stephens County tied it at 7 in the first quarter on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Bell to Caden Maxwell.

The Golden Lions scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-7 lead at halftime, getting scoring runs of 59 yards from Michael Benefield and 3 yards from Connor Egan.

St. Pius stretched its lead to 28-7 in the third quarter on a 9-yard touchdown run by Scott Braswell.

The Indians cut it to 28-13 late in the third quarter on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Bell to Griff Pruitt that was set up by a catch and run of more than 70 yards by Maxwell on a short pass from Bell.

However, the Indians fumbled near the Golden Lions’ end zone on an ensuing possession, ending the chance of a comeback.

Maxwell had a strong game for the Indians, going over 100 yards receiving. Benifield had over 100 yards rushing for St. Pius.

With the loss, Stephens County falls to 3-3 overall and 0-1 in the region, while St. Pius moves to 1-5 overall and 1-0 in region play.

The Indians are on the road Friday to take on Madison County in Danielsville in another region game.

PLAYER AWARDS

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Caden Maxwell

Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Isaiah Tate

X-Factor Grill Sub of the Game: Brandon McCurley

First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Scout Team Offensive Line