Indians Edge Warriors for Region Football Win

Stephens County comes from behind in the second half and hangs on for its first region win of the football season.

Two third-quarter touchdowns gave the Indians the lead and two fourth-quarter interceptions from Kamon Taylor preserved Stephens County’s 24-17 win over Oconee County in Watkinsville.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the team,” said Indians’ Head Coach Frank Barden. “They played their hearts out. That’s what it’s all about is to represent your community and represent your school. I can’t say enough about their perseverance and persistence. I could tell you there are a lot of people that counted us out with two region losses but our kids battled. I can’t say enough about our kids, and our coaches did a great job.”

Oconee County took an early 7-0 lead on a six-yard touchdown run by Jared Hood.

Later in the first quarter, the Indians got on the board with a 19-yard field goal by Luke Pearson.

After the Warriors extended the lead on a 24-yard field goal to 10-3 in the second quarter, Stephens County drove the field and tied the game at 10 just before halftime on a six-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Bell to Kaden Maxwell.

Oconee County re-took the lead at 17-10 in the third quarter on a four-yard touchdown run by Jarvis Stephens.

However, the rest of the game belonged to the Indians as Bell went for a 54-yard scoring scamper to tie the game at 17, and then Hassan Brown gave the Indians a 24-17 lead late in the third quarter with a five-yard touchdown run.

In the final minutes, Oconee County twice drove into Indian territory, only to see Kamon Taylor intercept two passes to seal the Indian victory.

For the game, Bell had nearly 300 total yards for Stephens County with more than 100 yards rushing and nearly 200 yards passing.

The win moves Stephens County to 4-4 overall on the season and 1-2 in the region. Oconee County also drops to 4-4 overall and 1-2 in the region.

On Friday, Stephens County returns home to play Jefferson in another Region 8-AAAA contest.

PLAYER AWARDS

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game – Jackson Bell

Hart EMC Lineman of the Game – Braxton Lawrence

X-Factor Grill Sub of the Game – Tay Thornton

First Baptist Church Spirit Award – Jahari Burns