Indians Clinch Home Football Playoff Game

A big fourth quarter gives Stephens County its first home playoff game since 2011.

The Indians broke a 7-7 tie with 17 points in the fourth quarter and beat North Oconee 24-7 in Bogart on Friday.

Stephens County’s strong second half came behind the running of A.J. Howard, Jackson Bell, and Tyrik Combs, who saw his first action of the year at running back.

Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden said clinching at least second place in the region is big for the team.

“It was a big second half,” said Barden.  “We kept the ball a lot.  The defense played great and we played good field position.  I could not be more proud of the kids.  Their effort, there is some great play from the second half of White County until now.  It is a really big win for our team.”

The Indians scored first on a 2-yard touchdown run from AJ Howard on their opening drive.

However, North Oconee tied it at 7 late in the first quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass from Sam Middlebrooks to Da’Marco Canty.

It stayed that way until the opening minute of the fourth quarter when AJ Howard scored on a 1-yard run to make it 14-7.

After a defensive stop, the Indians had a six-minute drive with two fourth down conversions that Luke Pearson capped off with a 27-yard field goal to make it 17-7.

Then with North Oconee driving one last time, Jermaine Barnett intercepted a pass and returned it about 80 yards for the final touchdown.

The win moves Stephens County to 8-1 overall and 6-0 in the region.

Meanwhile, North Oconee falls to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the region.

Next up for Stephens County is a road trip to Buford on Friday night, with the winner taking home the Region 8-AAAA championship.

Player Awards
Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game:  Tyrik Combs
Hart EMC Lineman of the Game:  Gevarius Brown
X-Factor Sub of the Game:  Donte’ Thomas
First Baptist Church Spirit Award:  Grant Dye