Indians Advance to Second Round

For the second straight year, Stephens County moves into the second round of the AAA state football playoffs.

Saturday, the Indians won their first-round game over Wesleyan, the fourth-place team from Region 7-AAA, 51-14 in Toccoa.

Stephens County Head Coach Wesley Tankersley said the team played a strong overall game.

“They had a great game and a good week of preparation,” said Tankersley. “I think the loss last week helped refocus us and get us ready for this week and a playoff run. We are going to have a good opponent coming up, but it’s at home and hopefully all of Stephens County is here to cheer these guys on and give us energy and we can come away with a victory next week too.”

The Indians got off to a strong start as Cam Lacy returned the opening kickoff nearly 100 yards for a touchdown to give Stephens County a 7-0 lead. After Wesleyan tied it at 7 with a touchdown pass on their opening possession, Tyson Everett scored on a one-yard touchdown run to give the Indians a 14-7 lead heading into the second quarter.

Stephens County took control in the second quarter, scoring five touchdowns to take a 48-7 lead into halftime. In the second quarter, the Indians got two touchdown passes from Ben Stowe, one to Corey Richie for 31 yards and a 50-yarder to Cam Lacy, along with a Richie 45-yard interception return for a touchdown and two Javin Gordon touchdown runs, from 1 yard and 80 yards.

With a running clock in the second half, Colton Bartmas gave the Indians a 51-7 lead in the third quarter with a 24-yard field goal. A late Wesleyan touchdown pass in the final minutes of the game capped the scoring.

The Indians move to 9-2 with the win. It is their first nine-win season since 2011. Meanwhile, Wesleyan finishes the season 4-7.

Stephens County will host a second-round playoff game on Friday against highly ranked Sandy Creek. Sandy Creek defeated Coahulla Creek 70-14. While it is the second straight trip to the second round for the Indians, it is their first home game in the second round since 2007. 

All four Region-8 teams advanced to the 2nd round. Monroe Area defeated Dawson County 35-13, Oconee County defeated Lumpkin County 49-21, and Hebron Christian defeated Pickens 63-14. Rabun County and Elbert County also advanced to the 2nd round in the Class A playoffs.

Player Awards
Georgia Farm Bureau Player of the Game – Javin Gordon
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game – Dylan Hunt
Highway 17 Diner Sub of the Game – Jacob Lunsford
First Baptist Church Spirit Award – Bailey Stowe