Indian Football Drops Region Opener

Oconee County uses a three-touchdown third quarter to overcome a halftime deficit and hang on to beat Stephens County in the Indians’ region opener, 20-14, Friday night at the Reservation.

Down two touchdowns, the Indians got within six points late and had the ball in Oconee County territory but could not convert on a fourth down play.

“We still have an opportunity, but like we tell them, we could lose the next three very easily,” said Stephens County Head Coach Wesley Tankersley. “The region is very tough. We can’t come out and play like that and be successful. We have to do better. We made too many mental errors tonight.”

The teams played to a scoreless first quarter and the defenses continued to dominate well into the second quarter.

Finally, Stephens County broke through in the final two minutes of the first half. A long pass from Kenny Colwell to Gamarion Carter put the ball inside the 10-yard line and Kamon Taylor scored on a one-yard touchdown run two plays later to make it 7-0 in favor of the Indians at halftime.

In the third quarter, Stephens County touched a punt when it was still a live ball, turning it over to Oconee County with a short field. Max Johnson scored on third-and-goal with a one-yard touchdown run. However, the Indians blocked the extra point to maintain a 7-6 lead.

The Warriors added a touchdown on their very next possession to take the lead. Julian Benitez scored on a nine-yard touchdown run to make it 14-7 after the two-point conversion.

After Oconee County stopped Stephens County on a fourth-down attempt, the Warriors drove the field and Johnson found Seth Caldwell for a 15-yard touchdown pass for a 20-7 lead late in the third quarter.

Stephens County was able to cut the Warrior lead to 20-14 on a Kenny Colwell two-yard touchdown run with less than five minutes to go, converting a fourth down along the way.

However, after stopping Oconee County one last time, the Indians could not convert a fourth down in Warrior territory as Oconee County hung on for the win.

Stephens County drops to 4-3 with the loss overall and 0-1 in region play. Oconee County moves to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in region play.

The Indians travel to face North Oconee on Friday night in Bogart, while Oconee County has the week off.

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Kamon Taylor
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Jackson Dean
X-Factor Sub of the Game: MJ Jones
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Colley Glenn