Fannin County Football Preseason Preview: Game By Game Predictions, Key Players For 2023

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Blue Ridge, GA- The Fannin County Rebels look like they are in for another successful season in 2023 under the tutelage of Head Coach Chad Cheatham, who is currently 9 wins away from the all-time wins record at Fannin County High School. While the Rebels may look inexperienced on paper heading into the new season, they have a ton of talent and look to set the pace for the next wave of Fannin County football…

What do the computers think of the Rebels 2023 season? Let’s break down some win-total projections and do a game-by-game analysis of the upcoming season; including a look at the key departures from last year’s team and key returners for 2023, plus a “make or break” game that will set the team either above or below their projected win total.

 

Over/Under: 8.5 wins

Wins: Gilmer, at Pickens, at Murphy, Gordon Central, Model, at North Murray, Murray County, Haralson County

Losses: at Rockmart

Make or Break: Season opener vs Union County

Key Departures: Corbin Davenport (DB/WR), Andrew Waldrep (LB), Bryson Holloway (RB), Carson Collis (DB/WR), Cade Sands (LB), Logan Long (OL/DL), Jeremy Tammen (OL/DL), Jack Kantner (K)

Key Returners: Elijah Weaver (QB/WR), Lawson Sullivan (QB/WR), Brayden Taylor (WR/DB), Cooper Born (LB), Carson Callihan (RB/LB), Case Holloway (DE), Jacob Dye (OL/DL)

The Blue and Silver Rebels may look young on paper, but they have some great talent returning in 2023. While you can never replace a kid like Corbin Davenport and his presence will surely be missed under the lights, the Rebels have some guys that are looking to become household names when they get their chance to shine. Whether it’s Elijah Weaver or Lawson Sullivan under center come game 1, the one who is not getting reps at QB will likely be one of the Rebel’s top targets in the passing game at wide receiver. Jacob Dye and Case Holloway will look to fill the shoes of Longan Long and Jeremy Tammen on the line for Fannin County, and rising Junior Brayden Taylor could be the Player of The Year in all of North Georgia. If Fannin County is able to put all of the pieces together and find a vocal leader in the locker room, the Rebels should make another strong run to the postseason. It will be interesting to watch the offense in the early games and see how well they mesh as first year Offensive Coordinator Wade Woodall takes over the play-calling duties for the Rebs.

Fannin will start off their season with one of the most anticipated games of the year in North Georgia and the game that will “Make or Break” their win total in 2023 as the Union County Panthers come to town on August 18th. Last year, the Panthers were able to hold on in the final seconds and take a 14-7 victory over the Rebels in Blairsville, but the Fannin will be looking for revenge in the “Border War” as the Panthers come to town in game 1. That week one matchup could tell the tale for the Rebels season early as they have another rivalry matchup vs Gilmer in week two, and while they are favored to win that one, going into that game without a clear mind could be the difference in an 0-2 start and a 2-0 start to 2023.

After the Gilmer game, the Rebels head out on the road to face off against another HWY 515 rival in Pickens County. While Pickens may be the home team in this matchup, I am picking Fannin to take this one based solely on the talent of their Linebacking core alone. I think the combination of Cooper Born, Carson Callihan, CJ Reece, and Baylor Twiggs over the middle should slow down a lot of what Pickens is going to want to do through the air. Next up for Fannin will be another road test, this time across state lines vs the Murphy Bulldogs from North Carolina. Considering the way last years game went and looking at what the Dogs lost talent-wise to graduation, the Rebels should roll on in this game as they head into region play the following week.

Speaking of Region play, I think the toughness of the Rebels non-region schedule should ultimately help them come crunch time. They should have no problem at home vs Gordon Central, and I think they get revenge vs Model this year at home also. Last years shutout loss to the Blue Devils was very uncharacteristic of Fannin County, and this matchup will be circled in the locker room for sure. Fannin just looks like they matchup on paper better this year than they did last year vs Model, and that homefield advantage they have this year is going to be huge.

Fannin and North Murray lit up the scoreboard last year in Blue Ridge, but with most of North Murrays fire power on the offensive side of the ball gone to graduation, the Rebels should be able to grind out a win in Chatsworth this year.

Obviously, the toughest team the Rebels are going to face in region play is going to be Rockmart, and with that game being in Rockmart this year, I have to give the nod to the Yellow Jackets. But, who knows- A lot can happen by October 27th.

Fannin County 28 Athens Academy 13- Fannin Captures 1st Road Playoff Win in School History

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Fannin County 28 Athens Academy 13- Fannin Captures 1st Road Playoff Win in School History

Athens Georgia 

B-E-L-I-E-V-E. Believe. That’s been the motto for the Fannin County Rebels Football team this season. Fannin County knocked off 8th Ranked Athens Academy on Friday Night in the 1st Round of The GHSA AA State Playoffs 28-13.  The Victory was the Team’s 1st Road Playoff Win in School history.

Fannin County entered the game as the 3 seed out of region 7AA and Athens Academy entered the contest as the 2 Seed in Region 8 AA.

Athens Academy has been one of the most successful schools in the Athens area over the last decade. This was their 8th Straight playoff appearance under Head Coach Josh Alexander. The Athens Academy Spartans reached the State Championship game in 2017 and 2018 going 13-1 with their only defeat coming in the State Championship Game both seasons. Under Alexander, Athens Academy is 80-17 with 3 Region Championships, 2 State Final appearances and 8 straight trips to the post season.

The Cal Preps and Massey Ratings had Fannin County had Fannin anywhere from a 10 Point – 15 Point Under Dog coming into the matchup. Athens was also ranked #8 in the State by Max Preps.

 

1st Quarter

Fannin won the toss and elected to receive. The 1st drive didn’t go well for Fannin has Athens Academy forced Fannin to a quick 3 and out. Athens Academy had a nice drive on their 1st possession and scored from 1 yard out on 3rd and goal to take a 7-0 lead.  Fannin County responded quickly as Corbin Davenport found paydirt for the 1st time on the night. Jack Kanter added the extra point as the Rebels tied it up with 1:12 in the 1st.

 

#71 Jeremy Tammen celebrates after a Sack. #1 Andrew Waldrep and #77 Logan Long also pictured

2nd Quarter

Carson Collis Running after his Reception. Collis had 49 yards on the night

Opening play of the 2nd Quarter on 3rd Senior Captain Jermey Tammen plowed through the Spartan offensive line and got a sack that almost resulted in a safety. The Spartans would punt, and the Rebels would take over in great field position. Bryson Holloway gained some yardage on a few runs for the Rebels and Carson Collis hauled in a reception that set up 1st and Goal for the Rebels. Davenport sneaked it in for his 2nd Touchdown of the night giving

Fannin a 14-7 lead with 9:35 left in the quarter.

#2 Lawson Sullivan celebrates with @1 Andrew Waldrep after a big interception for the Rebels

Next Drive for Athens Academy resulted in an Interception by Lawson Sullivan.  Fannin was unable to take advantage of the turnover but a great punt by Jack Kanter pinned the Spartans down to their own 5-yard line with 5 :32 left in the quarter. Athens Academy took over and would pull off a fake punt for a 1st down and advance the ball all the way to the Rebel 38-yard line. Athens Academy would face another 4th down on the drive this time a 4th and 1 from the Rebel 29-yard line. Logan Long, Andrew Waldrep and Brayden Taylor would be in on the tackle and stop the Spartans short of the 1st down for a turnover on downs for Fannin County. Elijah Weaver would take a knee for the Rebels as the horn sounded for the end of the 1st half with Fannin leading 14-7.

 

3rd Quarter

Athens Academy would get on the board on a 2-yard touchdown run. However, the extra point try by Athens Academy was no good.  Fannin would lead 14-13 entering the all-important 4th Quarter.

4th  Quarter

Davenport found Carson Collis for a 1st down and the Rebels were marching in Spartan territory. Another big run by Davenport had the Rebels close to the red zone. A Bryson Holloway run on 1st down put the Rebels into the Red Zone. Corbin Davenport would find the end zone for the 3rd time on the night giving Fannin a 21-13 lead with 10:11 left in the 4th.

Senior Logan Long with a tackle for loss late in the 4th Quarter

Athens Academy would put together a nice drive into Rebel territory. Senior Logan Long would come up with a tackle for loss on 1st down from the Fannin 22-yard line. Next play, Athens would hit their big tight end for a 1st and goal all the way down to the 5.  A big stop on 1st and goal from Corbin Davenport, Brayden Taylor and Copper Born, a Lawson Sullivan tackle for loss in the backfield on 2nd and Goal, and a Copper Born and Andrew Waldrep stop on 3rd and goal brought up a crucial 4th and goal for Athens Academy.

Athens Academy would attempt a 26-yard field goal after a delay of game penalty in which they were attempting to make the score 21-16. However, The Kicker for Athens Academy slipped up and barely kicked the ball and Lawson Sullivan caught the kick. Sullivan would return the kick 33 yards giving the Rebels all of the momentum with 5:50 left in the 4th.

Case Holloway #62 and Andrew Waldrep #1 with the Sack on 4th Down to secure the Playoff Win for Fannin

Corbin Davenport would find the endzone again for Fannin making it 28-13 with 3:31 left in the 4th. Next Drive Andrew Waldrep and Case Holloway would sack the QB on 4th down and the Rebels would run out the clock. Final Score Fannin 28 Athens Academy 13

Coach Chad Cheatham giving the Game Ball to the Rebel Fans who made the 2 hour 30-minute drive 228 Mile Round Trip. Fannin had more fans at the game than the home team Athens Academy

Fannin County’s win on Friday Night was their 5th Playoff Win in School History and their 4th Playoff Win since 2020. It was the school’s 1st ever Road Playoff Victory

Fannin Playoff Wins 

1995 Home Vs North Clayton 17-6

2020 Home VS Pace Academy 28-21

2020 Home VS Heard 21-14

2021 Home VS Bremen 45-14

2022 @ Athens Academy 28-13

UP NEXT

Callaway. The Rebels are currently listed as 6-point underdogs to the Cavaliers. Callaway is 8-3 on the season and region champs out of region 5.  Callaway defeated Washington 42-20 last Friday. Kickoff will be 7:30pm @ Callaway

Win & You’re In: Fannin Hosts Haralson County Thursday Night For Final Region 7AA Playoff Spot

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Photo courtesy of Rachel Adams

Blue Ridge, Ga- Every year since Chad Cheatham has taken over the reins as head football coach at Fannin County High School, the Rebels have seen postseason action. In his first year as head coach in 2018, he led the Rebels to a 4 and 7 record and their first playoff appearance in eight years. The Rebels’ success has only grown since then and they have two Region 7AA Titles in their trophy case to prove it.

While the Region Title may be out of reach this year, the Rebels have a chance to make their fifth straight playoff appearance in as many years with a win over the Haralson County Rebels this Thursday night.

This year has been one of ups and downs for the Fannin County faithful. Starting out the year 0 and 2 with losses to both of your bitter rivals wasn’t exactly the way Rebel fans thought this 2022 season would go. But since the shaky start, Cheatham and company have been able to right the ship, and they sit at 5-4 on the year with a chance to cement themselves into the playoffs in their final regular season game of the year.

A home game in Blue Ridge.

Against the “other” Rebels in Region 7AA.

For a spot in the GHSA State Playoffs.

You can’t script it any better than this.

Fannin County enters Thursday night’s contest coming off of a loss to the number 7 ranked team in AA ball, the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Fannin was able to hold the powerhouse to just 21 points in the game, and while they may have taken the L they are holding their heads high. Haralson County enters the game 3-6 overall, coming off a blowout win over Murray County.

This is playoff football in Blue Ridge before the playoffs even start, and the “real” Rebels will need your support this Thursday night. This is shaping up to be one of the best regular season games in recent memory, so come out and support Fannin County in the quest to make it 5 in a row. Kickoff is at 6:30 in Blue Ridge.

 

Believe! Fannin County defeats Pickens 38-12

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  1. 2011, Hard to believe this was the last time that Fannin County and Pickens County met for a varsity high school football game. That was until Sept 2nd, 2022 finally  toe met leather for Fannin and Pickens.

 

The Rebels came into the game as high as a 16-point underdog listed by the Cal Preps Rating Index. After starting the year 0-2 Fannin was in need of a win but this would be a huge challenge.

 

Head Coach Chad Cheatham gave a Pre-Game Speech to his team with one simple message. Believe.

B– Brotherhood

E– Execution

L- Little Things

I Identity

E- Every Inch, Every Second, Every Step, Every Breath

V– Victory

E– Everything You Got. “ Man In The Mirror”

 

1st Quarter

Fannin County’s Cade Sands found paydirt with 5:43 left in the 1st Quarter and the Rebels took the lead 7-0. Rebels have scored 1st in all 3 of their games this season. Speaking of Cade Sands, Sands would force a Fumble at Midfield and Carson Callihan took it back to the Dragon 20 yard line. Elijah Weaver would find Corbin Davenport for a 20 yard TD and Jack Kantner drilled the Extra Point and the Rebels took a 14-0 lead with 4:56 left in 1st. Speaking of Jack Kantner, Jack executed a perfect onside kick 10 yards right in front of him and he fell on it and the Rebels took possession again. Fannin took over and Callihan had 2 great runs on the drive and Weaver found Davenport twice. The 2nd time a 9 yard touchdown pass that put Fannin up 21-0 over Pickens 1:56 left in the 1st.

Elijah Weaver and Carson Callihan get ready for the play.

2nd Quarter

Pickens was driving into Rebel Territory but after a 3rd down and 2 the Dragons would have 2 straight penalties that put them in a 3rd and long situation.  The dragons would end up having to punt and the Rebels took over on their own 7-yard line. Elijah Weaver would find Corbin Davenport for one of the longest play from scrimmage in Fannin County Football History. A 93 Yard Touchdown pass Weaver and Davenport got together for their 3rd Touchdown of the night. 28-0 with 10:17 left in the 2nd Quarter and Fannin had the Dragons shook. Jack Kantner would kickoff and the ball landed close to East Fannin Elementary school sailing through the end zone. With 6:26 left in the 2nd Weaver found Khole Green on a nice swing pass and Fannin would go up 35-0. Kantner’s  extra point would be good and his kickoff one again sailed through the end zone. The Rebels would take a 35-0 Lead into the half.

#8 Corbin Davenport is having a great senior season for the Rebels

 

3rd Quarter

Jack Kantner’s  great night continued adding a 38 yard field goal with 35.3 seconds left in the 3rd. Pickens would get on the board via a 61 yard Touchdown pass Sam Streicher to McCord Purdy with just under a minute left in the quarter eliminating the Dragons shutout.

Jack Kantner is off to a great start in his senior season and had a career game Friday night

4th Quarter

Pickens would add another touchdown. Denson for the Dragons would get in on the ground from 6 yards out with 3 minutes left.

Cade Sands had 11 Tackles Friday night and 3 Tackles for loss

Final Score

Fannin 38 Pickens 12

 

 

Fannin County Football Preview- Cheatham & His Rebels All In To Start 2022 Season

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Fannin County Football has become one of the best football programs in North Georgia. It certainly didn’t happen overnight. Head Coach Chad Cheatham has won 30 games in 4 years which puts him just 17 wins shy of breaking the All-Time Career wins mark set by Clark Drennan with 46.

 

The 2x Defending Region Champion Fannin County Rebels return senior leaders on both sides of the Football. They return 10 Seniors who were All Region 1st Team, 2nd Team and Honorable Mention recipients from last year’s team. They are hungry to lead the Rebels into another deep playoff run.

 

Senior Leadership

Fannin returns three 1st Team All Region Players from last season.  Logan Long, a 6’2, 295lb Defensive Tackle and Offensive Lineman was 1st Team last year on Defense. Long is without a doubt one of the leaders on this football team on the field and off the field. Linebacker Andrew Waldrep who has 190 Career total Tackles was 1st Team All Region last season. Jack Kanter was 1st team All Region as a Kicker and Punter this year is going to be a serious weapon this season for Fannin. Jack has the leg for a 50-yard field goal and easily kicks it into the endzone on kickoffs. Cade Sands was 2nd Team All Region last season and is going to have a huge season for the Rebels. Sands had 103 Tackles last season and is another proven leader on this football team. Corbin Davenport who will play Corner and multiple positions on offense was 2nd Team All Defense last season as a corner. Davenport provides a spark in the return game also.

Senior Logan Long against Union County last season

Other Seniors who will help lead this team are WR/DB Carson Collis, Center Taylor Collis, OL/DL Jeremey Tammen, ATH and DB Bryson Holloway, and OL/DL Nate Maloof. These guys were All Region Honorable Mention last season. All 5 have had great off seasons in the weight room and practice field. The Collis Twins are also great wrestlers and will both have big senior seasons in Football and Wrestling. Expect all 5 of these kids to be on All Region Teams again.  Senior lineman Joseph Annis and Running Back Khole Green will also play a role in the offense.  Other seniors that will contribute are Nate Smith, Walker Ballew, Clay Heaton, Bohn Postell, Jesse Davenport, and Slade Epperson

Carson Collis gets ready for pass coverage last season

 

This senior class has a chance to go out as the winningest class in Fannin County Football history with another good year. With veteran leadership from All Region Players like Logan Long, Carson Collis, Taylor Collis, Cade Sands, Andrew Waldrep, Bryson Holloway, Nate Maloof, Jeremy Tammen, Corbin Davenport and Bryson Holloway along with the other members of the senior class the bar will be set high this season.

Cade Sands #49 and Andrew Waldrep #1 after a game last season.

 

Junior Class

The Rebels have only 5 Juniors. Expect returning Juniors Brody Paskill and Bryson Fink to play a part in the Rebels Success this season.

 

 

Sophomore and Freshmen Class

Sophomores Case Holloway and Jacob Dye will provide depth to an already experienced and well coached offensive line. Holloway, who also plays on the defensive line played in the Georgia Elite Classic game last season on the freshmen team. Carson Callihan is another dynamic athlete in the sophomore class who will make an impact on both sides of the ball this season.  Sophomore Elijah Weaver is a kid who has really impressed in camp. Weaver has a good arm, quick feet, and great hands. Copper Born is another young sophomore who could potentially start at Linebacker. Brayden Taylor, a sophomore will see plenty of snaps on defense. Taylor holds the Mountain Football League Record with 4 Interceptions in 1 game during his 5th Grade Season.  The unknown is the availability of Sophomore Lawson Sullivan. Sullivan is another talented Sophomore who could see time at QB as well as the secondary. Sullivan suffered an injury in the summer. So many other talented sophomores that aren’t mentioned that will help the Rebels during the 2022 season.

 

The Freshmen class will provide needed depth. This class had a great 8th grade season last year as they came up just 5 yards short of the 8th Grade Mountain League Championship losing to Pickens County in the final seconds.

 

 

 

Coaching Staff

The Coaching Staff for Fannin County is one of the best in the state. The Rebels are also returning all their coaches except for 1 from last season.

 

The Head Coach, Chad Cheatham, begins his 5th Season with the team at 30-15. Had it not been for a few covid cancellations the last few seasons Cheatham’s win total would probably be at 33. Cheatham was born to Coach. He’s put Fannin County Football on the map and under his leadership they won’t be going away anytime soon.

Cheatham calls out signals during a scrimmage at Copper Basin 3 Years Ago

 

Offensive Coordinator Chris Thigpen returns. Thigpen is one of the best offensive coordinators in the state. Don’t believe me? Just go look at the numbers the Rebels have put up the last few years. Thigpen has excelled with the Rebels, especially the last 2 seasons with both his Quarterbacks signing to play at the D1 Level in Luke Holloway (Eastern Kentucky who has since transferred to Cumberland) and Seth Reece who is now at Army.

Coach Thigpen shares a word with Former Fannin QB Luke Holloway

 

 

Offensive Line Coach Alan Collis returns. Collis is a former All American at Carson Newman as an Offensive lineman. Collis always has one of the best coached and most fundamentally sound offensive lines in the state of Georgia. Collis played a big role in developing Offensive Lineman who are at the next level in Mason Bundy (Liberty) and Miles Johnson).Coach Noah Oneal is back once again coaching Wide Receivers and RB’s. Oneal was a 2-sport star at Fannin County High School (Baseball and Football) and is one of the great young minds in all of Georgia. Oneal was recently named to the All-Decade Football Team at Fannin County High School as a Wide Receiver.

 

Defensive Coordinator Adam Turner returns. Turner is one of the best defensive coordinators in the state. Don’t believe me? Just go look at the points per game his defense has allowed last 2 seasons. Turner is an excellent Linebackers Coach also. Notable players the last 2 seasons off his team includes Micah ONeal who had 276 total tackles and Cason Owensby had 267 total tackles.

Coach Adam Turner walks into Dragon Stadium in Lindale with Former Fannin Rebel ATH Seth Reece. The Rebels would dominate Pepperell over the last 2 seasons.

Jacob Reece begins his 2nd year as a Coach for the Rebels. Reece a former player for Fannin County went onto play college football at Carson Newman. He will the defensive line. Reece was recently named to the All-Decade Football Team at Fannin County High School as a Tight End.  Chris Hyde joins the staff this season as an assistant coach but Hyde’s presence around the football program has been welcomed for years. Hyde has been with the team Friday nights for years as an assistant and has been the Defensive Coordinator at Fannin County Middle School for the last several years. Hyde will Coach Outside Linebackers.

 

Assistant Head Coach, Special Teams and DB/Secondary Coach is Jeff Kuna. Kuna is a high energy guy, and you can usually hear his voice clear as day at Pete’s Place Restaurant at practice. His experience and leadership bring so much to this football team.

Ryan Holloway is the Director of Football Operations and goes above and beyond for Fannin County Football. Ryan has also served as a Head Coach at the Fannin Recreation Department where he was the Head Coach of the 6th Grade Fannin Football Team that captured the Mountain Football League Super Bowl last season going undefeated.

 

 

Region Preview

Model and Gordon Central return to region 7AA along with Fannin. Pepperell, Chattooga, and Coosa go down to Single A. Region 7AA Adds 2 Defending Region Champs from last year. Fannin County Head Coach Chad Cheatham has been quoted as saying “Region 7AA is the sec of AA” And he would be correct. This is going to be one of the toughest regions in the state.

 

Region Additions

Rockmart – Rockmart comes down to AA after a brief stint in region 6 AAA. Rockmart won Region 6AAA last season and went 9-2 overall before losing to Stephens County last season in 1st round of playoffs 27-13.

 

Haralson- Haralson is no stranger to AA Football. Haralson, who’s mascot is also the rebels, was in AA Region 5 last year and won a tough region. They finished last season at 10-2 with a loss to Northeast Macon in 2nd round of playoffs last season.

 

North Murray- North Murray comes down to AA Football after being in region 6 AAA last season with Rockmart. The Mountaineers return several offensive weapons this season and love to throw the ball in their spread, air-raid attack. North Murray finished season last year 7-4 with a loss to Monroe Area in the 1st round of the playoffs.

 

2022 Schedule

Scrimmage Aug 12th

Vs Stephens County-

All Time Series Record – Teams have never played.

Game Notes– 2 of the most successful and respected coaches in North Georgia will meet in Blue Ridge Friday August 12th. Fannin County’s Chad Cheatham will welcome Stephens Head Coach Wesley Tankersley back to town. “Tank” was at Gilmer for 7 seasons 2008-2014 and was 41-34. He had a brief stint at Ridgeland where he won 2 region championships and is entering his 5th season at Stephens.

 

Week 1 Aug 19th

@ Union County

All Time Series Record – All tied at 15

Last Meeting – Fannin won last season 34-7

Game Notes– This will be the 31st meeting between the 2 schools. The winner will take advantage in the series.

 

Week 2 Aug 26th

@ Gilmer County

 All Time Series Record – Gilmer leads 25-17-2

Last Meeting – 2019 Fannin won 41-9

Game Notes– While the 2 teams did scrimmage last season, Fannin and Gilmer haven’t met in regular season since 2019. Chad Cheatham’s Fannin County Rebels dominated Kevin Saunders Gilmer Bobcats that night in 2019 41-9. Fannin has won the last 4 in the series dating back to 2016. This will be a great game this season with Paul Standard at the helm for Gilmer in his 2nd season. Coach Standard is doing a great job and turning Gilmer County around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 3 Sept 2nd  

Home Pickens County

All Time Series Record – Pickens leads 17-10.

Last Meeting – 2011 Fannin won 29-28

Game Notes– Hard to believe this Highway 515 rivalry game hasn’t been played since 2011. Pickens County drops down to region 7AAA this season and is projected to be a playoff team. This will be a great matchup with very little empty seats inside Rebel Stadium for the 1st home game of the 2022 Regular Season.

 

 

Week 4 Sept 16th  

Home vs Murphy

All Time Series Record – Murphy leads 3-1

Last Meeting –2013 Murphy won 65-35

Game Notes- This one may be another standing room only crowd in Blue Ridge as Murphy comes to town for our only out of state matchup this season. School separated by just 29 miles meet for just the 5th time. Murphy is led by Head Coach Joseph Watson in his 2nd season after taking over for legendary Murphy Head Coach David Gentry.

 

Week 5 Sept 23rd  

@ Gordon Central Region Game

 All Time Series Record – Fannin leads 2-0

Last Meeting – 2021 Fannin won 57-6

Game Notes- Fannin opens region play with Gordon Central. Fannin travels to Gordon Central this season and they also played at Gordon Central last season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 6 Oct 7th

@ Model Region Game

All Time Series Record – Fannin leads 2-0

Last Meeting – 2021 Fannin won 35-7. Fannin will play its 1st 2 Region Games on the road. Fannin also played at Model last season.

Game Notes– Fannin will play its 1st 2 Region Games on the road. Fannin also played at Model last season.

 

 

 

Week 7 Oct 14th

Home vs North Murray Region Game

All Time Series Record – 1st Meeting

Last Meeting – Teams will meet for 1st time on October 14th

Game Notes- This game will have a ton of playoff implications on the line. A huge regular season home game for Fannin. The last 3 home games of the season for the Rebels will all be a playoff type atmosphere.

 

Week 8 Oct 21st

@ Murray County Region Game

 All Time Series Record – Murray County leads the series 5-3

Last Meeting – 2015 Fannin won 22-10

Game Notes- Murray County has hired a new Head Coach. Kurt Napier takes over the program. Kurt is the brother of Billy Napier who is the Head Football Coach at the University Of Florida.

Fannin has won the last 3 meetings that date back to 1981. Former Head Coach Jim Pavo went 2-0 against Murray County in 2014 and 2015. In 2014 Fannin beat Murray 55-7. 1981 Head Coach Doug Davenport and his Rebel team defeated Murray on the road 6-0.

 

 

 

 

Week 9 Oct 28th

Home vs Rockmart Region Game

 All Time Series Record – 1st Meeting

Last Meeting – Teams will meet for the 1st time on October 28th

Game Notes- Rockmart is being projected to win the region by almost all media outlets. This will be a showdown in Blue Ridge and a possible 1 seed will be on the line the Friday before Halloween in Blue Ridge.

 

Week 10 Nov 4th

Home vs Haralson Region Game

 All Time Series Record – 1st Meeting

Last Meeting – Teams will meet for the 1st time on October 28th

Game Notes– Haralson is projected to be one of the 4 playoff teams in region 7 AA. Just this week in the Georgia High School Daly, Maxwells projections had Haralson as the 2 seed and Fannin as the 3 seed. This matchup could also have a home playoff game on the line.

 

A very fun schedule this year for Fannin County.

 

 

Fannin opens with a scrimmage this Friday night in Blue Ridge against Stephens. Kickoff is 7:30pm. We hope everyone enjoys this football season. If you are able, please get out and support all these athletes

 

 

Fannin County Has 11 Named To All-Region Team, Seth Reece Named POY

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Fannin County football once again cleans house in the All-Region 7AA awards, with 11 players being honored!

Congratulations to all of the players that were honored, and what a great season it was for all involved with Fannin County football!

 

REGION 7AA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Seth Reece

Rebel’s Quarterback Seth Reece was named the Region 7AA Player of The Year after a historic season, becoming the only Fannin County Rebel ever to pass for over 1,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in the same season.

1st TEAM ALL-REGION OFFENSE

Hayden Lynch- Receiver

Dylan Collis- Offensive Line

Rico Arellanes- Offensive Line

2nd TEAM ALL-REGION OFFENSE

Cade Sands- H Back

1st TEAM ALL-REGION DEFENSE

Cason Owensby- Linebacker

Andrew Waldrep- Linebacker

Carter Mann- Defensive Back

Logan Long- Defensive Line

2nd TEAM ALL-REGION DEFENSE

Corbin Davenport- Defensive Back

1st TEAM ALL-REGION SPECIAL TEAMS

Jack Kantner- Punter/Kicker

 

 

GHSA Playoffs Round 2 Predictions: Fannin, Haralson, Dawson and more…

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Last week, our local areas teams had some tough matchups in the first round of the GHSA Playoffs, and we only have 3 teams left standing.

Fannin, Haralson and Dawson County all made it through to the second round.

In this article, we are going to take an inside look and preview these teams second round matchups, as well as take a look at some matchups that are outside of our coverage area.

 

Round 2 AA Matchups

Fannin vs Fitzgerald

If you recall, the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes were the team that bounced Fannin County from the third round of the State Playoffs last year in a 48-14 route. Fitzgerald would eventually go on to the State Championship and lose to Callaway.

This year things should be different for the boys from Blue Ridge. They caught the Purple Hurricanes at the wrong time last year, as they were injury ridden and just couldn’t seem to catch a break. This year, the Rebels are as healthy as a team can be at this point in the season and things seem to be coming together at the right time. Even though Fannin County has only lost one game all season and is riding a 9 game winning streak, they still can’t get any love in the rankings. MaxPreps has them ranked as the thirteenth best team in the AA classification, and the Rebels seem to have a chip on their shoulder this year as they’ve set out to prove everyone wrong. Heck, the weren’t even picked to win their Region yet here they are.

As far as Fitzgerald is concerned, they will come into Friday nights game hailed as the 3rd ranked team in AA. They are 9-2 on the year, and their lone region loss came against Thomasville who is the top ranked AA football team in Georgia. Some names to watch out for on the Purple Hurricanes: Daniel James and EJ Lightsey. James is a 6 foot 1 defensive end and linebacker who can reek havoc in the backfield, as can his counterpart Lightsey, who is a 6 foot 2, 220 pound linebacker who is committed to play college fotball at the University of Florida.

This game is going to be decided by who’s defense breaks first. Both teams strengths are in their defense, and whichever one gives up the big play, we could see that costing their team the game. I do not think this will be a high scoring affair, and if Fannin can keep it close up into the fourth quarter, they just might be able to pull off the upset. The fact that this is a home game for the Rebels will also play heavily in their favor.

CalPreps Prediction: Fitzgerald 31 Fannin 7

Haralson vs Northeast

This could be the best game in all of GHSA AA football on Friday night. CalPreps has this game projected as a 21-20 Haralson County win, and that is in large part to the way that Rebels QB Clay Hyatt has been playing lately. In games against Bowdon, Model and Banks County, Hyatt has rushed for 534 yards and 6 touchdowns. In those games however, Hyatt only threw the football 8 times total, which could hurt the Rebels offensively against Northeast if they become one dimensional.

As for Northeast, they come into this matchup at 8-3 on the year. They are currently ranked 7th in AA, and will be looking to pull off the upset over 5th ranked Haralson. Northeast has a pretty solid senior QB in Travion Solomon. Solomon has thrown for over 5,000 yards in his high school career (1,339 this year), and he is very careful with the football as he has thrown for 9 TDs this year while only turning the ball over twice.

This one could go either way, and if you’re a high school football fan, you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes on this game.

CalPreps Prediction: Haralson 21 Northeast 20

Lovett vs Putnam County

The winner of this one will face the winner of Fannin-Fitzgerald which we previewed earlier. Lovett had a big win last week over Union County, and Putnam kept their undefeated season alive with a 62-7 win over East Laurens. This should be another close game, and we should really get to see whether Putnams undefeated regular season was due all to their weaker strength of schedule, or because they are the real deal.

CalPreps Prediction: Putnam 28 Lovett 19

Rabun County vs Jeff Davis

The Rabun County Wildcats will look to prove to everyone they are worthy of the number 2 ranking that they hold when they face off against Jeff Davis on Friday night.

CalPreps Prediction: Rabun 39 Jeff Davis 18

 

Round 2 AAA Matchups

Dawson County vs Pierce County

The Dawson County Tigers got it done in the first round with a 36-27 victory over Sandy Creek. They have a very tall task ahead of them this week in the second round against Pierce County, the fourth ranked team in triple A. Pierce County is a 20 point favorite in this one, but who knows, maybe Sid Maxwell and his Tigers have something up their sleeves and can pull off an incredible upset.

CalPreps Predictions: Pierce County 33 Dawson County 13

 

Fannin County Wins Back To Back Region Championships. Host Bremen 1st Round State Playoffs

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Fannin County Region Champs. All Photos by Rachel Adams

Fannin County wins back to back Region Championship. Host Bremen 1st Round State Playoffs

 

Friday Night, November 6th, The Fannin County Rebels secured their 2nd Region Championship under Head Coach Chad Cheatham and just the 4th in School history.

 

Dade County traveled to Blue Ridge on Friday for a True Region Championship Game. Dade County entered the contest 7-2 overall with impressive wins in the season. (most notably over Traditional Powerhouse South Pittsburg Tennessee. 26-21 on October 1st )  Coach Jeff Poston has done an incredible job at Dade County this season turning the program into a contender in Region 7AA.

 

3rd Quarter

 

Fannin County trailed 17-7 with 6:12 to go in the 3rd Quarter. With 5:41 left in the 3rd Seth Reece found paydirt from 49 yards to cut the deficit to 17-14 Dade County. Jack Kanter Extra point attempt was good.

 

Dade County and Fannin would trade possessions as we entered the 4th Quarter.

 

4th Quarter

 

Start of the 4th Quarter, Senior, Rico Arellanes would tackle the Dade County Running back for a 2-yard loss on 2nd down. 3rd down Andrew Waldrep made the stop that ended up in Dade County punting the ball back to Fannin.

 

On the next Fannin Drive, Seth Reece would find Easton Chancey for a 1st Down and a big gain to Hayden Lynch down to the 9-yard line. David Mashburn would find paydirt this time with 8:49 left in the 4th Quarter to give Fannin the 21-17 lead.

 

Jeremy Tammen broke through the Dade Offensive Line on 3rd down to get a sack for the Rebels. Dade County went for it on 4th down and Carson Collis batted down the Dade County pass giving the Rebels the Football back with 7:37 left in the 4th.

 

Fannin would go 3 and out giving the football back to Dade County with 6:35 left in the game.

 

On 1st Down , for Dade County, Andrew Waldrep made one of the plays of the year for the Rebels. Andrew batted the pass up in the air, and then came down with the Interception with 2 hands.

Fannin Coaches Celebrate with Waldrep after INT

The Rebels would again go 3 and out giving the ball back to Dade County with 6:02 left in the 4th.

Dade County would pick up 2, 1st downs as they entered Fannin Rebel Territory. Corbin Davenport would come up with another Interception for the Rebels with 3:53 left in the game.

 

Seth Reece would pickup 2 very important 1st Down for the Rebels. That would secure the Rebels 2nd Region Championship in back to back years and 4th overall in Football Program History.

 

Coach Cheatham

With Friday Night’s Victory over Dade County, Fannin County Head Coach Chad Cheatham is 1 Win away from being tied for 2nd on the All Time Career Wins list at Fannin County.

  1. Clark Drennan 46-32 (8 Seasons) 1 Region Championship
  2. Joby Scorggs 30-15 (4 Seasons) 1 Region Championship
  3. Chad Cheatham 29-14 (4 Seasons) 2 Region Championships
  4. Tommy Sosebee 19-21(4 Seasons)
  5. Ron Harbin 18-32 (5 Seasons)

 

Up Next

Fannin County host Bremen out of Region 5AA. Stay tuned to Team FYN Sports this week for a playoff preview article of the Bremen and Fannin Game.

5 Different Rebels Score TDs In Win Over Model

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Rome, Ga- Friday night, the Fannin County Rebels traveled to Rome to take on one of their Region 7AA foe’s: The Model Blue Devils.

Five different Fannin County Rebel players scored touchdowns on their way to a 35-7 route of the Blue Devils.

Talk about spreading the love- Seth Reece, Austin Garland, David Mashburn, Hayden Lynch and Cade Sands all found the endzone.

GAME RECAP-

Fannin kicked the ball away to start the game, and Model began their first drive on their own 27 yard line. Just when it looked like the Blue Devils might be able to get some offensive momentum, the Fannin County defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs and giving their offense the ball with some pretty decent starting position. Seth Reece and company made quick work of things, as Reece found Cade Sands wide open in the endzone for the first score of the game.

It was much of the same for the rest of the night.

Immediately following the opening touchdown drive, the Rebel defense once again gave the ball back to their offense, and once again their high powered offense found the endzone. This time Rebel Quarterback Seth Reece found Hayden Lynch across the middle for 6.

In the Second Quarter, Fannin punter Jack Katner pinned Model inside their own five yard line with a beautiful punt. Model then proceeded to fumble the ball on the following play and Fannin jumped on it, giving them the football on the Blue Devil 3 yard line. Reece called his own number and walked into the endzone, giving the Rebels a 21-0 lead.

Model would tack on their only score of the game just before halftime.

Austin Garland and David Mashburn found the endzone in the second half for the Rebels, while the Fannin County D didn’t allow a score.

Fannin will now play host to Chattooga on Friday, in what is the de facto Region 7AA Championship game. Come out and support your Rebels on Friday night, as they battle for their 2nd Region Title in as many years.

 

A Great Night To Be A Fannin County Rebel! Fannin 40 Pepperell 14

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Carter Mann, Sawyer Moreland, Jackson Davis and Cason Owensby walk out as captains for Fannin

 

Fannin County defeated Region Rival Pepperell 40-14 last Friday night in Blue Ridge. The Rebel Defense played lights out all night. Holding the AA State’s Leading Rusher DJ Rogers for Pepperell to only 27 rushing yards. Andrew Waldrep led the team with 9 Tackles, Cason Owensby had 8 tackles, Cade Sands had 7 tackles to lead the Rebels in Tackles on Friday. Logan Long, Jason Pearson, Rico Arellanes, Levi Cochran, all had tackles for loss for the Rebels. Jeremy Tammen, Nate Maloof and Long applied QB Hurries. In The Secondary, Carson Collis had an Interception, Corbin Davenport and Cade Sands had pass deflections.

Andrew Waldrep had 9 Tackles for Fannin

Fannin County had 487 Total Yards. The Rebels were led offensively by Seth Reece 289 Total Yards, 3 Touchdowns.  The Rebels had 359 Rushing Yards by Reece ( 161) Cason Owensby ( 88) Bryson Holloway ( 70) and Carson Callihan ( 40) all 4 Rebel players had Touchdowns on the night. Hayden Lynch, Bryson Holloway and Corbin Davenport had over 40 yards receiving. Davenport caught a touchdown pass from Reece.

Freshmen Carson Callihan Celebrates with Senior Left Tackle Dylan Collins after a Touchdown Run

 

Fannin County High School, Students, Fans, Band, Cheerleaders created one of the best High School Football Atmosphere’s this past Friday Night. The Rebel Nation clearly was the 12th man in the Region win over Rival Pepperell. Below is the video.

Fannin County Crowd 4th Quarter

 

Fannin improves to 5-1, 2-0 in Region 7AA. Fannin has a bye week this week before traveling to Model on October 15th

 

Fannin Defeats Gordon Central 52-7. Showdown at Home With Pepperell on Friday

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Gordon Central

Fannin County defeated Gordon Central 52-7 last Friday night in a region contest in Calhoun. Fannin was led on offense by Seth Reece who had 284 Total Yards.  Cason Owensby was the defensive player of the game 12 total Tackles,  4 Tackles For Loss 1 Sack and 1 Int. Owensby had the opportunity to shine on the offensive side of the Football just like his Older Brother Former Fannin County Rebel Treylyn Owensby. Cason had 58 Total Yards of Offense and 3 TD’s.

Fannin County put up 512 total yards of offense while only allowing Gordon Central to 156.

Pepperell Preview 

The Rebels Host Region Rival Pepperell on Friday Night 7;30pm . This is only the 4th all time meeting. But after last year’s game in Lindale, if you were in attendance,  you understand that this is now a rivalry game for Fannin. I will not go into much detail. Let’s just say that both Teams, Coaching Staffs, Players and Fan Base want to win this game Friday Night.

 

Many  media outlets deemed this game on Friday night  the Region Championship game at the start of the season. And that still could be true. The Region is much more balanced this season with Dade County now becoming a factor. Dade County upset Pepperell last week 21-20. Trust me everyone. Trust me. Pepperell is coming to Blue Ridge with vengeance and redemption on their mind this Friday night. Pepperell must now win out in the region and have a little help if they want to win the region championship. For Fannin, its simple. Win every game and you will be crowned Region Champions for the 2nd year in a row.

 

Fannin County welcomes a very talented Pepperell Dragon Football Team Led By Head Coach Rick Hurst who is in his 8th Season at Pepperell. Hurst has led the Pepperell Dragons to the playoff’s on each of his 8 seasons in Lindale. Hurst best team was his 2016 Squad. They went 10-2 that season with a regular season loss to Cedartown and Quarterfinal Loss to Benedictine.

 

Pepperell is led by Star Running Back Dj Rogers. Through his 1st 4 Games Rogers led all of AA in Rushing with 697 yards. His stats from last week’s game vs  Dade County have not been posted yet. Fannin County must do a great job of containing Rogers on Friday Night.

 

Another Player to watch out for on Friday Night is JR QB Matthew Waddell. Waddell is 44/79 2 TD and 2 INT with 102 Rushing Yards on the season and 1 TD. At the time of this article his Dade County stats were not posted.

 

Pepperell does not upload their defense stats to Max Preps.

 

Last Season Fannin defeated Pepperell by a score of 36-23. Luke Holloway had 373 Total Yards.

 

All Time Series 

Pepperell leads 2-1.

First Meeting 1988 Pepperell 27- Fannin 7

Last Meeting 2020 Fannin 36- Pepperell 23

Hayden Lynch and Jack Kantner

 

Fannin County Stats From Gordon Central 

 

Offense

Seth Reece 284 Total Yards 4 TD’s

Austin Garland 71 Total Yards

Hayden Lynch 38 Total Yards

Bryson Holloway 55 Total Yards 2 TD’s

Corbin Davenport 48 Total yards

Carter Mann 36 Total Yards

Easton Chancey 9 Total Yards

Cason Owensby 58 Total Yards 3 Td’s

Carson Callihan 60 Total Yards 1 Td

Cade Sands 29 Total Yards 1 TD

 

Jeremy Tammen, Cason Owensby and Logan Long get ready for the next play

Defense

Andrew Waldrep 11 Tackles 3 TFL 1 Sack , 1 Forced Fumble

Bryson Holloway 2 Tackles

Seth Reece 4 Tackles

Corbin Davenport 2 Tackles, 1 INT

Carter Mann 2 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble

Lawson Sullivan 1 Tackle

Cooper Born 1 Tackle

Sawyer Moreland 2 Tackles 1 TFL, 1 INT

Nate Smith 1 Tackle

Cason Owensby 12 Tackles, 4 TFL 1 Sack , 1 INT

Carson Callihan 2 Tackles

Jason Pearson 2 Tackles

Issac Davis 1 Tackle

Cade Sands 10 Tackles 3 TFL, 1 Fumble Recovery

Scott Pulliam 2 Tackles 1 TFL

Joseph Hughes 1 Tackle

Nate Maloof 5 Tackles 2 TFL , 1 Sack

Bryan Stiles 1 Tackle 1 TFL

Jeremy Tammen 8 Tackles 4 TFL , 1 Sack

Brayden Taylor 2 Tackles

Logan Long 8 Tackles 3 TFL , 1 Sack

Carson Collis 1 INT

 

Rebels Tame The Leopards 30-13. Start Region Play Friday @ Gordon Central

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It was a “Homecoming” of sorts for Fannin County Head Coach Chad Cheatham on Friday Night September 17th. The Fannin County Head Football  Coach, Fannin County Native and Former Fannin County Football player, Cheatham, spent several years at Banks County as an Assistant Coach.  On December 19, 2017 Cheatham was promoted at Banks County to Head Coach after Josh Shoemaker resigned. March 23rd, 2018 Cheatham accepted the Head Coaching Position at Fannin County and the rest has been nothing but history. So plenty of storylines lead up to the clash between Banks County and Fannin Friday Night.

Coach Cheatham leads his team onto the field.

1st Quarter

Banks County won the toss and elected to receive. Both defenses played extremely well in the 1st quarter and both teams would flop field position.

2nd Quarter

Austin Garland would get the Fannin County faithful off their seats with 7:45 left in the 2nd quarter with the Rebels facing 3rd down and 5 from their own 25. Garland had a 20 yard run as the Rebels approached midfield. Seth Reece would find Sayer Moreland for a 38 yard gain all the way down to the Banks 12 yard line. Cason Owensby would get in the end zone for a Fannin Touchdown to make it 7-0. Jack Kantner would kick a perfect onside kick and the Rebels would recover. Seth Reece would find Carson Collis for a 30 yard pass. Austin Garland would take it in for a touchdown on the next play from 1 yard out. 14-0 Rebels.

Austin Garland had 82 total yards for Fannin

Bryan Stiles would come up with a big sack on the next drive for Fannin on Defense and Banks County would punt the ball back to Fannin.

Carson Collis would fumble the football for Fannin and Banks County would recover. The very next play, on defense, Collis made up for it by forcing a fumble and Cason Owensby recovered. Fannin was unable to get the ball in the end zone before the end of the half.

3rd Quarter

Fannin would score on their 1st drive of the quarter. Seth Reece would pick up a 43 yard gain on the ground but did fumble. The ball would roll in the end zone and Corbin Davenport would recover for a Fannin County Touchdown. The Rebels Defensive Line played well all night. Jeremey Tammen made several big plays in the backfield along with Nate Maloof.

The next drive for Fannin on Offense, Seth Reece would find Carter Mann for a 38 yard touchdown pass.

4th Quarter

Fannin would take a 28-0 lead into the 4th. Banks County would be back up in their own end zone. Levi Cochran would run into the Banks County Backfield and tackle the defender for a safety. 30-0 lead for the Rebels. Banks County would add 2 scores late in the 4th Quarter.

Final Score Fannin 30- Banks 13.

Players Of The Game

Offense Seth Reece 243 1 TD

Seth Reece Offense Player Of The Game

Defense Andrew Waldrip 14 Tackles 3 TFL

#1 Andrew Waldrep Defense Player Of Game

Special Teams Jack Kantner

 

 

Up Next

The Rebels will travel to Gordon Central to start region play. Kickoff is 7:30pm

Fannin County Football Remembers 9/11, Honors 13 Service Men and Women & All Decade Team. Route Raiders 35-6

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Friday Night, September 10th was a special night at Fannin County High School. Fannin County High School and the Football team held a moment of silence for the 13 service men and women who recently lost their lives in the tragic events on August 23rd, 2021. There was also a moment of silence to honor the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. 14 Flags were place beside the Student Section Pre Game. 13 for the attacks last August, and 1 Flag for September 11th.

 

14 Flags. Photo by Rachel Adams

 

All Decade Team

The Fannin County High School Quarterback Club announced their 2nd All Decade Team in History prior to the game. Below is a list of those players receiving honors.

2011-2020 All Decade Team
Player Of The Decade Luke Holloway
Offensive Player Of Decade Brad Davis
D# Player Of Decade Micah ONeal

All Decade Offense Team
QB Trevor Stone
RB Treyleyn Owensby
RB Peyton Satterfield
RB Blake Henry
FB Will Mosley
WR Noah Oneal
WR Cohutta Hyde
WR Copper Earls
TE Jacob Reece
TE Jalen Ingram
OL Miles Johnson
OL Mason Bundy
OL Will Davis
OL Dillon Breedlove
OL River Dixon
OL Blake Callihan
OL AJ Resendez
K Sarah Sosebee

All Decade Defense Team
DL Jakob Tuggle
DL Dalton Ross
DL Clay Holloway
DL Jeffery Whitmire
DL Kyle Kochish
LB Jordan Gray
LB Mason Rhodes
LB Jerod Petty
DB Brandon Minter
DB Tyler Beavers
DB Andre Bivens
DB Jack Roper
P Luke Holloway

All Decade Team Photo by Rachel Adams

 

Scoring Plays

1st Quarter 

David Mashburn found Seth Reece for a 13 Yard Touchdown pass with 9:39 left in the 1st Quarter. Austin Garland found paydirt from 9 yards out with 6:39 left in the 1st quarter to take a 14-0 lead.

Seth Reece after his 1st TD of the Night. Photo by Rachel Adams

 

2nd Quarter 

David Mashburn would find Seth Reece again for a 19 Yard Touchdown pass with 10:59 left in 2nd Quarter. The Rebels would take a 21-0 Lead. Austin Garland would score another Touchdown this time on the ground from 21 yards out to take a 28-0 Lead. Mashburn would find Carter Mann for a 14 yard touchdown pass to make it 35-0 with 5:36 remaining in the half.

Austin Garland TD Run Photo by Rachel Adams

 

That would be all the scoring for the Rebels as they would hold on to a 35-6 win.

 

Player Of The Game 

Cade Sands 9 Tackles 1 INT

Cade Sands after a great play

 

Notable Stats 

David Mashburn 12/16 159 2TD’s

Austin Garland 5 Carries 60 Yards 2 TD’s

Seth Reece 3 Receptions 61 Yards 2 TD’s

Andrew Waldrep 5 Tackles

Sawyer Moreland 6 Tackles

Cason Owensby 8 Tackles

Issac Davis 5 Tackles

Logan Long 5 Tackles

Logan Long hangs on to help make a tackle

 

Fannin County will travel to Homer to play Banks County Friday Night September 17th. Coach Chad Cheatham will return to Banks a school that he has spent time with and was briefly the Head Coach there before accepting the Head Coaching Job at Fannin. Kickoff is 7:30pm

Border Secured- Fannin defeats Union 34-7

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“The Border War”

The 30th edition of Fannin County and Union County was played on Friday at Rebel Stadium at Fannin County High School.

Fannin would defeat Union 34-7 to even the All Time Series Record at 15.

 

Captains Meetings at Midfield. All Photos by Rachel Adams

Pre Game

The game would not start on time. A lighting delay pushed the start time back 17 minutes to 7:47pm. Fannin County did win the toss and elected to receive.

Fannin County Captains: Seth Reece, Rico Arellanes and Dylan Collins.

Union County Captains: Logan Helcher, Trace Wright and Eli Peugh

 

1st Quarter

Fannin would start off with the ball. Seth Reece would get the 1st 3 touches of the games picking up 20 yards. David Mashburn would pick up 10 yards on the ground moving the ball to the Union 32. Mashburn would find Carter Mann for an 18 yard pass for a 1st down that put Fannin County at the Union 14. Union County would come up with a huge stop on 4th down to get the ball on their own 5.

 

Union County would go 3 and out and punt back to Fannin.  Union’s Wilson Walker would come away with an Interception on Mashburn. Union would get the ball back but were unable to get anything going on offense. Carter Mann would come up with a great tackle on 1st down, Andrew Waldrep and Bryson Fink would come up with the stop on 2nd down, Logan Helcher would try and find a receiver on 3rd down but Carson Collis made a great play in coverage for the Rebels forcing another Union County 3 and out.

 

Penalties were an issue for Fannin on the following drive. A penalty on the punt return and the 1st play of the drive would put Fannin Starting on their own 30. Stein Harkins for Union County would have 2 back to back stops and Fannin faced 3rd down and 28 from their own 27. Mashburn would throw an incomplete pass forcing a Fannin punt.

 

Union took over with 2:30 left in the 1st quarter on their own 34. Corbin Davenport made a great play on Keyton Chitwood after a Panther holding penalty. Helcher decided to pick on Davenport again by trying to find Chitwood down the field but the pass was incomplete. Cade Sands, Rico Arellanes and Issac Davis were able to corral Helcher on 3rd down for a stop.

 

Union would punt the ball and push Fannin back to their own 19. Fannin would have another penalty on 1st down. Seth Reece picked up 19 yards on 2nd down and 1 yard on 3rd down to get the 1st down and that would be the end of the 1st Quarter.

 

Union played well in the 1st quarter defensively. The Panthers won the field position battle in the quarter. Defensive Coordinator Thomas Nelson done  great with disguising coverage and it took the Rebels a few drives to get adjusted. Too many penalties to start the game off for Fannin. Fannin County would settle down starting in the 2nd Quarter.

 

2nd Quarter

Fannin was unable to get anything going on their 1st drive of the 2nd Quarter and were forced to punt back to Union.

Bryson Holloway made a great play in coverage on 1st down. Hayden Lynch, Cade Sands and Rico Arellanes were in on a tackle for loss on 2nd down. Logan Helcher had green turf  in front of him on 3rd down but Cade Sands stayed at home and made a great tackle to force 4th down for Union.

Cade Sands shares a smile on the sidelines

Union would punt back to Fannin. Fannin would start on their own 3. Seth Reece picked up 18 yards on 1st down. David Mashburn sprinted to the end zone for a 78 yard Touchdown run but a block in the back was called that took 6 points off the board. However, Fannin County did not let the penalty on the run stop their momentum.

David Mashburn would find Hayden Lynch for a 16 yard gain to pick up the 1st down. Mashburn would again find Lynch for another 1st down for a gain of 10 yards. David Mashburn would find Sawyer Moreland for a 6 yard gain and then Seth Reece for a 25 yard gain.

With 3:39 Left in the 2nd Quarter David Mashburn would find pay dirt. Mashburn made several defenders miss and had a Super Man dive into the end zone.

David Mashburn dives into the end zone for a TD

Union would try and get the momentum on their side on the following drive but were unsuccessful. Helcher was trying to find Chitwood on 1st down. Pass was incomplete with Carson Collis in coverage. Andrew Waldrep made the stop on 2nd down. Helcher would pick up a panther 1st down on 3rd down.

Taylor Collis made a great play in the back field to start the next drive. With 2:22 left in the 2nd quarter, Helcher found a receiver down the sideline. The Panthers cut it up field and Carson Collis done a great job of putting his helmet on the football to force a fumble. Andrew Waldrep recovered the fumble on Fannin County’s own 45.

Andrew Waldrep #1 had 9 tackles vs Union

 

1:53 left in the 2nd quarter David Mashburn would find Bryson Holloway for a 45 yard TD Pass. Holloway hauled in a 10 yard reception on the previous play. This extended Fannin’s lead to 14-0. Fannin would take the 14-0 lead to the locker room into halftime.

#4 Bryson Holloway celebrates a TD

 

 

 

 

3rd Quarter

Union would start with the football to open up the 3rd quarter. On the drive, Nate Maloof and Rico Arellanes would both come inches away from getting a sack.  Fannin’s Cason Owensby, Sawyer Moreland, Cade Sands, Corbin Davenport would come away with tackles.

Logan Long would force a fumble and Corbin Davenport would recover and Fannin would take over on their own 45 with 8:43 left in the quarter.

Logan Long after a tackle. Long played both ways Friday night at RT and DT

David Mashburn would find Sawyer Moreland 2 times on the following drive. A 13 yard reception and a 9 yard reception. Seth Reece would later punch it in the end zone with 5:33 left in the quarter to make it 21-0 Fannin.

Sawyer Moreland catches the opening kickoff earlier in the night

 

On the following Union County drive, Case Holloway had a near sack on Helcher on 1st down. Union would pick up a 1st down 2 plays later on 3rd and 10.  Issac Davis and Cason Owensby would come up with tackles. Helcher and his Running back had miscommunication on the hand off and Case Holloway was able to come up with the fumble recovery.

Freshmen Case Holloway

 

Fannin was unable to move the ball on their next drive and  were forced to punt back to Union. Nate Maloof, Carson Collis made tackles on Union County’s next drive. Helcher threw an incomplete pass on 3rd down and Union would punt the ball back to Fannin. Corbin Davenport had a great return to the Union County 23 yard line.

Nate Maloof  #63 at DE

 

Next Play from Scrimmage David Mashburn found Seth Reece for a 23 yard Touchdown pass. Fannin would go for 2points but were unsuccessful. Fannin would take a 26-0 lead with 1:12 left in the 3rd Quarter.

 

4th Quarter

Cason Owensby started the 4th Quarter off with a forced fumble and Issac Davis recovered. Fannin took the ball over on the Union 33.

The next 3 plays and 33 yards belonged to Khole Green. Khole punched it in on his 3rd carry of the drive to score his 1st Touchdown. David Mashburn punched in the 2 pt try to make it 34-0 with 10:59 remaining in the 4th Quarter.

 

Union was unable to get anything going on offense and punted back to Fannin.

Brody Paskill caught a pass and Jackson Davis picked up 11 yards in the quarter.

Freshmen Lawson Sullivan would enter the game at QB and was very impressive going 5/6 for 35 yards in the quarter. Sullivan completed a 20 yard pass to Freshmen Copper Born and an 8 yard pass to Freshmen Brayden Taylor. Freshmen Carson Callihan carried the football in the 4th quarter picking up 13 yards on the ground.

 

Union County would add an 83 yard TD Helcher to Griffen Young late in the 4th Quarter.

 

The Final Score would be Fannin 34 and Union 7 

Notable Offensive Stats for the Rebels

David Mashburn 17/28 for 208

Seth Reece 166 Total yards-  105 Rushing 61 Receiving

 

Fannin County’s offensive lineman deserved a ton of credit for the job they did. Dylan Collins, Jeremy Tammen, Taylor Collis, Rico Arellanes and Logan Long among others done a great job all night.

Notable Defensive Stats for the Rebels

Cason Owensby 10 Total Tackles

Andrew Waldrep 9 Total Tackles

Cade Sands 7 Total Tackles

Corbin Davenport 7 Total Tackles

Logan Long and Carson Collis each forced a Fumble

Cason Owensby, Andrew Waldrep, Corbin Davenport, Issac Davis and Case Holloway recovered a Fumble.

 

Who’s Next?

Fannin County will host Copper Basin on Friday. This will be the 1st time since 1996 the 2 Schools have met during a game.  Stay tuned for a game preview later in the week.

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