Indians Beat War Eagles, 55-27, To Stay Unbeaten in Region
A big offensive night keeps the Indians unbeaten in Region 8-AAAA.
Stephens County led 41-0 early in the third quarter, but had to withstand a strong second half from Chestatee before beating the War Eagles 55-27 Friday night in Hall County.
Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said he is proud of the team for picking up another region win.
“It is what it is,” said Barden. “We might have lost a little concentration, but I am proud of the kids. They came down here, played hard, and had a great game. It is a great win. We walk away from it, enjoy it tonight, and come back Monday and get ready for next week.”
A Mason Long 17-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mighell, 4-yard Tyreik Cunningham run, and 6-yard Desmond Wheeler run gave Stephens County a 20-0 lead after one quarter.
In the second quarter, Long threw two more touchdown passes to Mighell, from 10 and 49 yards respectively, to give the Indians a 34-0 lead at the half.
Long’s fourth touchdown pass to Mighell, a 36-yarder on the opening possession of the third quarter, stretched the Indian advantage to 41-0.
However, Chestatee did not go quietly.
The War Eagles scored on a 44-yard run from A.J. Sijiye, then recovered an onside kick and scored again on a 51-yard pass from Sijiye to Marvin Rosario to make it 41-14, Indians.
Desmond Wheeler’s second touchdown run of the night, a 5-yarder, then made it 48-14 in favor of Stephens County.
Chestatee scored once more, however, as Logan Cates found Brian Dickson for a 8-yard pass to make it 48-20.
The final War Eagle touchdown came on a short run by Sijiye.
Ben Cleveland wrapped up the scoring for Stephens County, recovering a fumble inside the Chestatee 25-yard line and returning it for a touchdown.
Also on defense for the Indians, A.J. Howard recovered a fumble and Jermaine Barnett had an interception.
Stephens County moves to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 8-AAAA with the win.
The loss drops Chestatee to 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the region.
Next week, Stephens County is back on the road, this time traveling to take on Madison County in Danielsville.
In other Region 8-AAAA action from Friday, Buford beat Monroe Area 51-12, North Oconee beat White County 31-6, and Madison County beat North Hall 49-20.
Elsewhere in the area, Franklin County lost to West Hall 27-12, Hart County beat East Jackson 43-7, and Habersham Central lost to Centennial 42-39.
Player Awards
VanMinos Insurance Agency Player of the Game: Isaiah Mighell
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Ben Cleveland
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Dylan Huff
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Hassan Brown