DAHLONEGA -- Lumpkin County offensive lineman John Harris says the Indians football team is out to gain a measure of respect this season.
"Everybody sees Lumpkin County as a game that goes in the win column when they look at the schedule," Harris, a senior, said. "We want to change that."
At 2-0, it's a safe bet the Indians have already created some doubt in their opponents' minds after outscoring foes 72-14. And Lumpkin can add plenty more to that this week if it can roll to a third straight victory when it plays host to undefeated Monroe Area (2-0).
"We expect to win; every team does -- but everyone on the outside of our program expects us to lose," senior fullback/defensive end Michael Flanagan said. "But this is not a losing team. We've worked extremely hard, and we want to be remembered."
The Indians have put together some memorable performances already this season, relying on a punishing and opportunistic defense that has forced seven turnovers and scored three touchdowns in two contests.
"It starts with our whole defensive front," Lumpkin County head coach Tommy Jones said. "Our defensive line is extremely athletic and runs well."
The Indians are led up front by defensive end B.J. Dorsey, nose tackle Jonathan Whitehead and Flanagan at the other defensive end. Dorsey, a junior that will receive plenty of collegiate attention, leads the team with 17 tackles, including two sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Whitehead, meanwhile, has 16 tackles -- 11 solo -- and Flanagan leads the team with four tackles for loss.
"They've all got the ability to beat blocks quickly and make plays in space," Jones said.
The Indians can also depend on a stellar group of linebackers, including Lee Cagle, who led the team in tackles last season, Skylar Donovan and Trey Parker. In the backfield, Ian McIntosh is a playmaker, and standout safety Kaylen Temples has also been cleared to play this week after recovering from a broken bone in his back.
"We knew we had a number of starters back on defense this season, and that that would be a major factor in our progression," Jones said.
Lumpkin has also put together some strong offensive performances -- averaging roughly 212 yards rushing -- despite losing its starting quarterback prior to the season-opener.
After breaking a finger on his non-throwing hand, senior Taylor Guthrie sat for the first two weeks of the season, making way for back-up Logan Moye, who rushed for 128 yards, threw for 133 yards and manufactured two touchdowns in wins over Riverside Military and Union County.
"You can't say enough about the way he's filled in," Jones said of Moye.
There's a chance Moye could be back under center Friday night as Guthrie works to recover from his injury.
"Right now Taylor's questionable," Jones said. "Hopefully he's ready, but if he's not we have faith in Logan."
"We always knew he was good enough to help us win games," Harris said of Moye, a junior. "We put our trust in him."
Trust in each other is something the Indians have in abundance after playing together since the start of youth football.
"We all love each other, especially our senior group," Flanagan said. "We build each other up. We're a big family here."
That's a big reason why, even in the face of what coaches and players call their biggest test of the season so far, Lumpkin's attitude remains unchanged and is one of intense focus.
"We're all excited about being undefeated right now, but we're going to play each week like we're 0-0," Flanagan said. "We're not going to look ahead."
Jones says the Indians will have to be at their best against Monroe Area, a team that will test Lumpkin's athleticism.
"Their team speed is something we haven't seen," Jones said. "They're also very good up front, especially Stephon Tuitt (a Division I defensive line prospect listed at 6-feet-5, 260 pounds). They've also got a defensive end that reminds me of Dorsey.
"We have to control the ball, limit their big plays, and we have to match their speed -- not overall speed but the tempo at which they play."
The contest should prove a great measuring stick for the Indians, who harbor playoff hopes of their own and want to test themselves against a program that has opened the season outscoring foes 118-13.
"It's going to be tough," Flanagan said. "Monroe's got strength and speed."
Regardless of what happens Jones likes what he's seen from his team so far this season and feels the best is yet to come.
"We have to continue to improve," Jones said. "We've had glimpses of being good, but we have in no way arrived."
MONROE AREA at LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
-- WHERE: J.P. King Memorial Stadium, Dahlonega
-- MONROE (2-0, 0-0 Region 8B-AAA): Bye last week after defeating Riverwood 63-6 on Sept. 3.
-- LUMPKIN (2-0, 0-0 Region 8A-AAA): Bye last week after defeating Union County 37-14 on Sept. 3.
-- LAST MEETING: This is the two teams' first meeting.
Sunday
January 5th, 2025
2:26AM
