Indians End Non-Region Football Slate With Loss

Stephens County will head into two straight bye weeks after wrapping up non-region football play with a loss.

The Indians fell behind early to Cedar Shoals Friday in Athens and the Jaguars went on to beat Stephens County, 36-7.

“Obviously, the season isn’t going well so far,” said Indians’ Head Coach Wesley Tankersley. “We just have to keep coming to work every day and keep trying to get better every day. Hopefully, we do that over the next two weeks and do something in the region. I think our kids can.”

Cedar Shoals opened the scoring halfway through the first quarter with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jaylan Rusher to Rickil Willingham.

After stopping the Indians on a fake field goal attempt, the Jaguars stretched their lead to 14-0 on a long touchdown pass from Rusher to Willingham. Then, right before halftime, Jamal Canty returned an interception for a score to make it 22-0 at halftime in favor of Cedar Shoals.

The Jaguars extended their lead to 29-0 in the third quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Rusher.

Stephens County got on the board late in the third quarter when Kenny Colwell found Hudson Spurlock for a 15-yard touchdown pass, but Stanley Smith gave the Jaguars one last touchdown in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard touchdown run.

The loss is Stephens County’s fifth straight and drops the Indians to 1-5 on the season. Cedar Shoals moves to 4-1 with the win.

Stephens County will be off until they open region play at Oconee County on October 18.

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Mardy Lanier
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Jackson Dean
X-Factor Sub of the Game: Bailey Stowe
First Baptist Church Spirit Award: Jack McLaughlin II