Chestatee handles Lumpkin, looks ahead to title shot

DAHLONEGA -- With all that loomed on the horizon, it would have been very easy for Chestatee to overlook Lumpkin County on Friday.

The War Eagles showed they were plenty focused on the task at hand, however, pushing past the Indians 49-17 in Dahlonega.

And now Chestatee can focus on perhaps the biggest game in the program's history.

The War Eagles (7-1, 5-0 Region 8-AAAA) will play host to undefeated Monroe Area next week knowing that a victory would seal the program's first ever region championship.

Chestatee will enter the contest on the back of a seven-game win streak -- Friday's victory equaling the team's highest win total.

"I'm so proud of our boys," War Eagles coach Stan Luttrell said. "To have won seven in a row and put ourselves in this situation... tying the school record for wins and now getting a chance to play for a for a region title. This is just great for our team and our players."

Chestatee actually trailed Lumpkin 7-0, as the Indians (2-6, 2-3) jumped out to a first quarter lead. But the War Eagles rattled off four straight touchdowns -- including two scoring passes from quarterback Jordan Degraff -- and built a 36-14 halftime advantage.

Degraff finished the game with three touchdowns, including a 52-yard strike to Tony Fayson to tie the game and a 19-yard completion to Kahlil Cantrell in the second quarter. He also ran for a two-yard score in the second quarter.

Brandon Thompson also exploded on a 67-yard touchdown run, while Quan Clark added a 60-yard scoring sprint. Meanwhile, A.J. Sijiye rumbled to touchdowns of 32 and 15 yards.

Chestatee will play host to Monroe Area next week.

Lumpkin County, meanwhile, will look to bounce back at Lanier next week.