Fannin Blanks Armuchee 44-0

 

The Fannin Rebels travelled to Rome, GA to face off against Armuchee Indians last Friday. Fannin won last years match-up decisively and this game was heading in the same direction. Rain and lighting put a damper on things and with just one quarter in the books the Rebels were up, 16-0.

The Fannin-Armuchee game was rescheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm. because of the previous days lighting delay.

The Rebels gladly made this trip back to Rome to finish what was started. After starting the Friday night game with a solid performance from both sides of the ball and scoring two touchdowns and a safety in the first quarter, the Rebels defense held the Indians to just a few yards and never allowed them to cross the 50 yard line. With rain moving in and only 12 minutes of play in the books the referees called the game till further notice. The game was restarted at 9:35 and the players were allowed 15  minutes to warm-up. Seven seconds into the start-up the ref’s called the game again due to continued strikes being detected.

While in the delay I had a chance to talk with some of the referees about how the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) handles weather related games and about time limits. It was told to me that a lighting meter detects near-by strikes and that is why it was delayed. There is a half-hour waiting period from the last strike detected and then the game would resume. Well as some fans, who braved the weather found out Friday,  it can be quite await. The GHSA rules also state that for non-regional games the curfew is 11:30 pm. and the referees have to off the field at that time. Junior varsity (JV) games have a 9:00 pm curfew. Now regional varsity games, that is a whole different beast. Those games can and will be played as late or as long as needed. There is no time limit or curfew installed by GHSA rules. GHSA also has the final decision on non-regional games along with both schools cooperation if they are to be reschedule due to referee availability.

Coach Pavao wanted and needed this game to happen. He told the players at the end of Friday night’s called game to clear their schedule on Saturday because they were coming back to finish what they started. Coach Pavao also said he did not want to go into next week’s game against Union 1-1, but 2-1 and with momentum.

The Rebel’s were able to blank Armuchee 44-0 on Saturday afternoon in Rome. FetchYourNews was unable to make the trip back on Saturday, but sources said Fannin was physically stronger, more mentally prepared and  hungry for that 2-1 start to the season.

Rebels Jr. QB Brad Davis had another incredible weekend throwing 20-25 for 228 yds, 3 TD, and 3 carries for 22 yds. The Rebel’s running game was strong again with Tyler Collis getting 17 carries for 75 yds and 1 TD, Jack Roper had 4 carries 17 yds, 1 TD and Cody Jacobs – 6 Carries, 18 Yds, 1 TD.

This week there were fewer targeted receiver’s, but 19 total catches. Christian Resendiz  – 5 catches, 52 yds and 1 TD, Clay Ware – 1 catch, 1 yd, Jacob Reece – 5 catches, 110 yds and 1 TD and Cooper Earls – 8 catches 70 yds and 1 TD.

This year’s Rebel defense is bigger, stronger and tougher than any I have seen, thus far. The 7-AAA Region has got their hands full this year and if taken lightly, Fannin will run through the Region unscathed. The Armuchee game was a true testament, I believe, for what Coach Pavao and staff did in the off-season and continue to do today. 43 tackles from 18 different players is not a fluke accident. These young men believe in Coach and  themselves. Coach Pavao and staff has instilled confidence and a mental toughness in these players they will never forget. I know I see it in my son everyday and every game. This group of kids would play with there necks broke for Coach Pavao and staff and that you just don’t find everyday. I typically don’t post all the stats except the few tops, but this week I am going to recognize all the players.

Tackles: #2 Pavao-5, #3 Archie-5, #4 Leben-1, #9 Galloway-1, #16 Wilson-1, #18 Cornillaud-3, #24 Ware-2, #23 E.Smith-1, #27 Gray-3, #33 Putnam-2, #42 Roper-4, #49 Newman-1, #55 Whitmire-2, #57 Kinser-1, #61 Rhodes-1, #65 Mendosa-2, #69 Zamora-3,  and #83 Frank-5.

Assist: #1 Neal-3, #2 Pavao-4, #3 Archie-2, #4 Leben-3, #16 Wilson-2, #26 Westphal-1, #27 Gray-1, #31 Ledford-5, #33 Putnam-1, #42 Roper-1, #55 Whitmire-2, #57 Kinser-1, #65 Mendosa-1, #68 Collins-1,  #83 Frank-1.

Tackle for Loss: #42 Roper-2 and 2 sacks

Forced Fumble: #24 Ware-1 and 1 interception

Fumble Recovery: #2 Pavao-1

Players of the Game: #42 Jack Roper – Defense, #2 Andrew Pavao – Special Teams, #48 Jacob Reece – Offense, #37 Matthew Postell – D Scout and #30 Dawson King – O Scout.

Next week we face-off against a tough Union County at Rebels Stadium at 7:30 pm.. The Rebel’s look to right a few wrongs from last year and this is one of them.

Remember to watch Rebel Wrap-Up every Wednesday Night at 7:00 pm on FYNTV at FetchYourNews.com. Each week host BKP talk with coaches and players from your Fannin Rebels.