WINDER — Habersham Central survived a 17-point second quarter by Winder-Barrow and eventually pulled away for a crucial 34-17 Region 8-6A victory Friday night.
Habersham Central (5-4, 2-2) can clinch its first playoff berth since 2011 with a win over Apalachee next week at home.
Quarterback Tre Luttrell tossed three touchdown passes, two to Dontarus Bailey, and ran for a score as Habersham led 14-0 in the first quarter, sparked by a 55-yard touchdown run by Tracey Lowery. But the Bulldoggs twice got within seven points before a 5-yard Lutreel TD run and a 29-yard pass from Luttrell to Bailey pushed the lead to 27-14. Winder’s Bryce Gunter kicked a 33-yard field goal on the final play of the half to close within 27-17.
The only score of the second half came midway through the third quarter when Donnie Curry hauled in a 21-yard TD pass from Luttrell for the final score.
Lowery finished with 137 yards on 19 carries while Luke Wilson had 78 yards receiving and Bailey had 77 yards receiving. Luttrell was 12 of 18 for 219 yards passing and added 110 yards rushing on just 9 carries.
