Patriots Pummel Rebels 42-13
Featured Stories November 7, 2011
The Fannin County High School Rebels football team hosted the Oglethorpe County Patriots in the Region play-in game, despite not being eligible to make the play offs. The Patriots pummeled the home team 42-13, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first quarter alone. The game, the last home game of the season for Fannin, was also “Senior Night,” which featured acknowledgment of all the senior players, cheerleaders band members, and their families.The Patriots drew first blood on Oglethorpe’s offense’s first play from scrimmage. Shaq Fleming went “K’Zaam” as he raced 61 yards to the end zone. After a successful extra point, the Patriots led 7-0.
(Photo by LT Melton)
Things went from bad to worse for the home team, as a fumble on the ensuing kick return gave Oglethorpe the ball on the Fannin seven yard line. On third and goal, Fleming scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, and the Rebels were down 14-0 with only four minutes played in the game.
The next Rebels’ offensive possession resulted in another turnover, as Derrick Gordon intercepted Trevor Stone’s third down pass. The Patriots took over on the Rebels’ 44 yard line. Shortly thereafter, Oglethorpe quarterback, Kendrick Presley, scored on an option keeper, and Fannin fell behind 21-0 with 3:48 left to play in the first quarter.
(Photo by LT Melton)
Fannin found some offensive life, when Jordan Gray ripped off a 16 yard carry to start the next drive, taking the ball out to the Rebels’ 45 yard line; however, Fannin failed to make a fourth down conversion and Oglethorpe took over on its own 46 yard line.
The Rebels defense had some success during the Oglethorpe drive, with Blake Callihan, and Jason Burnett combining for an eight yard loss on a reverse attempt on first down. The Patriots eventually converted a fourth down; however, a fake punt failed on the next fourth down, and Fannin took possession on its own 34 yard line.
The Fannin faithful had little time to rejoice, as Stone’s second picked pass on second down gave Oglethorpe the ball on the Fannin 41. Four plays later, Oglethorpe’s Christian Conrad’s touchdown reception put the Patriots up by four touchdowns with 7:44 left in the first half.
(Photo by LT Melton)
After a three and out, Fannin punted back to Oglethorpe on the next possession. The Patriots’ fourth down attempt was unsuccessful and the Rebels took over possession with great field position, on the Oglethorpe 34; however, a failed Fannin fourth down conversion gave the Patriots the ball right back.
Two plays later, both runs by Fleming, saw the Patriots lead increase to 35-0, as Fleming first picked up 37 yards, then 34 more on the ground.
Fannin finally scored with nine seconds left in the half, when Blake Henry scored from two yards out, after Jordan Gray’s 46 yard run, set up the touchdown. The extra point was missed, and Fannin went into half time down 35-6.
(Photo by LT Melton)
Neither team scored again until the fourth quarter. Oglethorpe scored its last touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter, when Presley scored on a 36 yard option keeper. The final score of the game came with Henry’s second two yard touchdown of the game.