The Fannin Rebels(0-1,2-3)) were on the road against a tough Banks County Leopards(1-1,4-2) last Friday. Although the weather made a temporary stop for the game, it was cold, windy and the prior rain fall made the field a mess. This was the region opener for Fannin in 7-AAA. Banks County was coming off a 14-7 loss at Franklin County for their opener. The Rebels were not prepared for the Leopards offensive schemes or the speed of the offense. Banks took control after the first half, going on to win, 52-28.

The Rebels kicked off to the Leopards to start the first quarter. Banks returned the ball back to their own 40 yard line. On the Leopards first possession they drove the ball 65+ yards for a touchdown. Fannin answered on their first possession driving the ball 70+ yards and capping it off with a 1 yard rush from Tyler Collis, tying things up at 7-7. The remainder of the first quarter was uneventful to say the least. Both defenses were able to hold on downs and not allowing much yardage, but Banks did manage to get a field goal late in the quarter. At the end of the first, 7-10 Banks.

The second quarter was a defensive quarter, both teams were able to drive the ball downfield, but in the end the defenses came up with big stops. Fannin did however, find the end zone off a seven yard pass from Brad Davis to Chris Cornillaud. This made the score, 14-10. Banks would eventually find the end zone themselves and at the end of the first half Banks lead, 17-14.

The two teams went into the extended halftime with things to work on; missed assignments, penalties and coverage issues. Banks held its homecoming during halftime.

Things did not get any better for the Rebels in the second half. Banks came out strong scoring 21 third quarter points and allowing only seven for Fannin. The Rebels’ Cooper Earls found pay dirt on a 10 yard reception from Davis. At the end of the third quarter the score was, 21-31, Banks. The Leopards made some serious adjustments for the second half.

Fannin was able to slow down the Leopards in the fourth allowing only 14 points, but the damage had been done. Being outscored 21-7 in the third Fannin was playing uphill. Earls, again found the end zone in the fourth. This time on a 48 yard reception from Davis. Earls finished the night with nine catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Although Fannin did manage to score in all four quarters, Banks found the weakness in the Rebels secondary and took full advantage of it. Fannin, as hard as they played, just could not get their rhythm. Banks went on to win, 52-28.

Does Jerod Petty’s injury show more signs of his loss than what was originally thought? Now I am not saying that he is irreplaceable, but his loss was certainly felt on the field of Banks County by my estimations.

Offense

Brad Davis – 22-37, 289yds, 3 TD, 1 INT  –  6 Carries for 28 yds

Jack Roper – 12-Carries for 83 yds

Tyler Collis –  10-Carries for 20 yds, 1 TD

Cooper Earls – 9 catches for 133 yds, 2 TD

Chris Cornillaud – 1 catch for 7 yds, 1 TD

Cody Jacobs – 4 catches for 54 yds

Adam Ingram – 4 catches for 42 yds

Defense

Jack Roper – 7 Tckls, 3 Asst, 1 Tfl

Dylan Frank – 4 Tckls, 5 Asst

Hunter Neal – 4 Tckls, 2 Asst

Complete Stats Click Here