Thursday March 28th, 2024 4:50PM

Indians stun Athens Christian in key 8-A contest

By Jeff Hart Sports Reporter

HIAWASSEE — It's not every day when you're around to witness what could be a life-altering moment.

But those in attendance Friday night at Frank McClure Stadium got to see one first-hand as Towns County used a 14-point fourth quarter rally to shock Athens Christain 28-27 in a crucial Region 8-A battle for both teams.

The Indians (3-4, 2-4 Region 8-A) sat in the precarious 24th position in the Class A Public power rankings before kickoff. Now, they are sure to climb after knocking off the Eagles (2-5, 1-5) for the first time in 12 all-time meetings.

In fact, the victory also represented the first-ever victory on Homecoming for any Towns County team.

Coach John Cornett said it was almost a surreal moment.

"I don't think anyone except the kids and coaches on this team thought we could win this one," Cornett said. "I understand why when the program hasn't been able to get wins like this in the past. But the kids have been working hard to get to this point. I can't say enough how proud of them."

The Indians opened the scoring in the first quarter when Zach Davenport scored on a touchdown. That sparked a 21-point outsburst by Athens Christan, who took a 21-7 lead into halftime.

Towns County, however, did not go away. Alan Gillis scored on a scramble in the third quarter to trim the lead to 21-14. Athens Christian answered that score with a touchdown but Cole Ledford blocked the extra point attempt to keep it at 27-14. That play would loom large later.

Davenport hauled in a touchdown pass from Trent Bradshaw in the third quarter to pull back within 27-21 and then with just 2:09 left in the game, Davenport, on a halfback pass, found a streaking Will Travis for a 40-yard touchdown, and with a successful extra point, Towns County took a 28-27 lead.

The Indians defense, with help from a couple of Eagles penalties, held Athens Christian on downs to escape with the improbable win.

Ledford was huge down the stretch. Bsides the crucial block of the PAT, he had two runs of over 50-yards to keep the final two drives moving and an interception to help set up the game-winning drive.

"I told the guys that all the hard work is paying off and that they deserved this," Cornett said. "Now, we have to try and build on this. If we can, if could change the program."

It won't be easy, however, as Towns County plays host to perennial playoff power Commerce (6-1, 5-1) next week. The Indians are 0-21 all-time against the Tigers.

  • Associated Categories: Sports, High School Sports, Friday Game Night
  • Associated Tags: High school football, Towns County football
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