DAHLONEGA -- Banks County proved Friday night it intends to have a say in Region 7-AAA.<br />
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The Leopards overcame three early turnovers and then staged a thrilling fourth quarter comeback to knock off Lumpkin County 49-46 in a critical region game for both teams.<br />
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The win for the Leopards (4-3, 1-2 Region 7-AAA) snapped a two-game region losing streak and moved them into a two-way tie for fourth place with East Hall and to within two games of first place West Hall.<br />
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"This was a huge game for us and it gives us a chance," Banks County coach Biff Parsons said. "Our guys didn't quit and kept fighting."<br />
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The loss for the Indians (4-4, 3-1) moved them one-half game behind West Hall and snapped their three-game win streak as well.<br />
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Quarterback Griffin Goodwin had a huge game for Banks County throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Desmond Steeples was the main beneficiary with 125 yards receiving and two touchdowns for the Leopards.<br />
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Malcolm Mitchell lead Banks County with 104 yards rushing.<br />
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Lumpkin County had things going its way early on. The Indians defense scored twice, once on a interception return for a touchdown by Cody Branch and Zach Matthews scooped up a fumble and ran it in for a second defensive score and a 17-7 early in the second quarter.<br />
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But the Leopards would get to within 24-21 by halftime and the show was just getting started.<br />
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The Indians would push their lead to 38-28 heading into the fourth quarter. Banks County exploded in the fourth quarter for three touchdowns to run out to a 49-38 lead. Lumpkin County got to within 49-46 with 34 seconds left and recovered the ensuing onside kick.<br />
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But freshman quarterback Chandler Woodham was sacked and a Hail Mary play into the end zone was denied as the Leopards held on.<br />
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The Indians managed to stay in the game despite gaining just 237 total yards of offense. The defense and special teams kept them alive.<br />
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After the two two turnovers that led to scores, Lumpkin County got some help from its special teams when Austin Pierce returned a kick off 72 yards to the Leopards 3 and Matthews scored on the next play on a 3-yard run.<br />
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Matthews finished with 90 yards rushing and was 2-of-2 for 23 yards and a touchdown for Lumpkin County. Gunnar Wood was held to just 16 yards rushing on seven carries. he did have 39-yards receiving. Woodham was 5-for-7 for 39 yards passing.<br />
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Travae Cain finished with 79 yards rushing and two touchdowns for Banks County. Austin Seagers and Logan Hubbard each scored one touchdown.
