Indians Win on Homecoming

Stephens County wraps up non-region football play with a win over a nearby rival.

The Indians jumped out in the first half and never relinquished their lead on the way to a 33-21 win over Hart County Friday night at the Reservation in Stephens County’s Homecoming game.

Hassan Brown paced the Indians with 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while Jackson Bell added a touchdown run and a touchdown pass to Brandon Wheeler.

Stephens County Head Coach Frank Barden said the team deserves a lot of credit for the way they bounced back on a short week.

“It was a good night,” said Barden. “I thought our kids did a great job of coming back out after a Saturday night this week and being focused and getting ready for this game. All in all, it was a good win for us.”

The game was scoreless for much of the first quarter, but Brown’s first touchdown run, from 28 yards out, gave the Indians a 6-0 lead with less than three minutes to go in the opening period.

Stephens County came right back with another late first quarter touchdown on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Bell to Wheeler to make it 12-0.

The Indians extended their lead to 19-0 after Brown scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard touchdown run with about four minutes to go in the first half.

However, Hart County scored late in the second quarter on a 6-yard touchdown pass from O’Neal Anderson to P.J. Rucker to cut the Stephens County lead to 19-7 at halftime.

Hart County cut the lead to 19-14 halfway through the third quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Jerrion Sapp.

Stephens County would not give up the lead, however, as Bell’s 28-yard touchdown run made it 26-14 in favor of the Indians.

After Hart County scored on a long touchdown pass from Anderson to Johnathan Dekle to cut it to 26-21, Brown gave the Indians a 12-point cushion back with his third touchdown run, this one a 3-yarder, which wrapped up the scoring.

With the win, the Indians enter the bye week 3-2, while Hart County is still winless at 0-5.

Stephens County returns to action in two weeks to host St. Pius in the Region 8-AAAA opener.

Meanwhile, Andi Brock, daughter of Max and Angela Brock, was named 2017 Homecoming Queen at Stephens County High School.

PLAYER AWARDS

Stephens County Farm Bureau Player of the Game: Brandon Wheeler

Hart EMC Lineman of the Game: Montavis Thornton

X-Factor Sub of the Game: Austin Kinsey

First Baptist Church Spirit Award: William Hulsey