Indians Beat Rockmart to Advance to Sweet 16

For the first time since 2014, the Stephens County Indian football team is in to the second round of the state playoffs.

Friday night, the Indians, seeded fourth out of Region 8, defeated Region 6 champion Rockmart, 27-13 in a first-round AAA state playoff game on the road.

Stephens County Head Coach Wesley Tankersley says it was a total team effort.

“I felt like the tough games we had in region play prepared us for this game,” said Tankersley. “They came out and played their tails off and had a great week of practice. We traveled all day today, but they were businesslike and came out and played physical, tough football.”

The Indians started the scoring halfway through the opening quarter on a 20-yard field goal by Colton Bartmas.

After Rockmart scored to take a 6-3 lead a couple of minutes later, the Indians scored the next 24 points.

Stephens County took the lead for good at 10-6 in the opening minute of the second quarter on a five-yard touchdown run by TJ Everett. Then, Bryson Trimier intercepted a pass and returned it about 20 yards for a touchdown to make it 17-6. In the final minute of the first half, Bartmas made a 28-yard field goal to give Stephens County a 20-6 lead.

Everett scored on a three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give Stephens County a 27-6 lead. Then, Trimier and Kelton Cade each intercepted passes for Stephens County.

A late Rockmart touchdown made the final score 27-13.

With the win, the Indians move to 8-3 overall. Rockmart ends its season 9-2.

This Friday, the Indians will travel to Burke County, who defeated Mary Persons, 48-21.

Elsewhere in AAA, Hart County’s season ended with a 30-21 loss to Ringgold, while Oconee County beat Adairsville 29-22 and Monroe Area beat North Murray 58-14. White County and North Hall also lost first-round games.

In AA, Rabun County advanced with a 63-14 win over Pace Academy, while Elbert and Banks counties both saw their seasons end with losses.

Player Awards

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game – Bryson Trimier
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game – Kelton Cade
X-Factor Grill Sub of the Game – Devin Cobb
First Baptist Church Spirit Award – Ethan Smith