Stephens Co. comes up with big plays to stay in thick of playoff hunt

TOCCOA -- Every time Stephens County needed a big play, a different Indians player stepped up to provide it on Friday.

Stephens County fought off Lanier 27-18 in Toccoa, getting two fourth down touchdowns from T'omas Colbert, 205 yards rushing from Chaz Thornton and several key plays from defense and special teams to stay in the thick of the postseason race in Region 8-AAAA.

The Indians (6-2, 3-2 Region 8-AAAA) were led by Thornton's 32 carries. The senior also rushed for two scores, while quarterback Dionte Mayfield completed 6 of 11 passes for 161 yards -- five of those to Colbert for 108 yards and a score.

Lanier amassed 364 yards passing, including 395 total yards from quarterback Taylor Grant, who helped the Longhorns stay close throughout.

Stephens County faces another critical game next week when the Indians play host to Eastside (6-2, 4-1) in Toccoa.