Fannin Falls to Lumpkin

On Friday night the Rebels went looking for gold in Dahlonega but sadly did not find what they were looking for.

On the first possession of the game, Lumpkin County drove the field and was able to score the first touchdown of the game with their star fullback #14 Zach Matthews. The Rebels and QB Brad Davis would then answer back with a 4 minute drive of their own ending with a rushing TD by sophomore running back Hunter Gray. The Rebels would then catch the Indians sleeping as Brad Davis would find Jacob Reece for two and take an 8-7 lead. It did not take long for Fannin to find out why #14 from Lumpkin has had 1,000 rushing for three straight seasons as he would then take the next offensive play 75 yards for a touchdown. Lumpkin would attempt a two-point conversion and fail.

On the kickoff following the touchdown, the Rebels took possession at the 1 yard-line as the Rebel player would have his momentum carry him into the end zone after catching the ball at the one. Fannin was able to move the ball out of the shadow of its own goal post but not much farther than that and would then punt the ball back to Lumpkin with just a few minutes remaining in the opening quarter. The Indians rushing game continued to find success as they would score with no time left on the clock. At the end of the first Lumpkin would lead 21-8.

On the very first offensive play of the Second Quarter, Davis would find Junior receiver, Luke Cowart for a 70 yard touchdown pass. Cowart ran right passed his man and never looked back as he crossed the goal-line. In an effort to continue their special teams advantage, the Rebels attempted a surprise onside which was just a half yard away from going in their favor. The Indians took over at the 49 yard line and immediately responded to the Rebels score with a 49 yard rushing touchdown by Lumpkin QB, Chandler Woodham. On their next possession the Rebels would leave points on the board as they turned the ball over on downs inside the 20 of Lumpkin County.

The Indians would continue the night’s big play trend as they would have a few of their own during their drive and score another rushing touchdown within a few minutes of gaining possession. Fannin would then drive the ball down the field and end with a rushing touchdown by Jacob Reece with 1:24 left in the half. During what was their final possession of the half, the Lumpkin QB would find his receiver, #23, Julian Hazen for a 72 yard touchdown pass with :48 left in the half. The score at half would end up being 42-21, Lumpkin.

The Rebels would receive the opening kick and move the ball very well. Davis would find Reece and Pavao multiple times during the second half, and some great running by Hunter Gray would help move the ball for the Rebels. However Fannin would fumble the football at the five yard line on their opening drive of the second half, leaving even more points on the field. The two teams would then trade punts before the next score occurred. The Lumpkin QB once again broke free, this time for a 69 yard rushing touchdown. Fannin would then go on about a five minute drive, this time ending it with a rushing touchdown. Unfortunately on the ensuing kickoff Rebels Senior, Jeremy Lim, was injured and this is a huge blow to this team. At the end of the third the score was 49-29, Lumpkin.

The Indians were able to start the final quarter with a 70 yard drive ending in yet another rushing touchdown with 8 minutes left in the game. Neither team was able to move the ball on the following possessions. After getting the ball back from Lumpkin County, Jacob Reece found the end zone once again on the ground, and then catch his second two-point conversion of the night. The Indians struggled bringing down the 6’2″ senior all night. He was a force for the Rebels every single time he was on the field. However, the Indians would score again with under a minute left in the game. Ending the game by a final of 63-37.

The Rebels have officially been eliminated from playoff contention at 0-4 in the region.

Next week the Rebels take on the Union County Bobcats for Senior Night. Come out and support these seniors as they walk onto the Battlefield for the final time.