HOMER -- Banks County scored 15 third quarter points and then held off a furious rally by Dawson County for a crucial 27-21, Region 7-AAA win Friday night at home.<br />
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The Leopards (5-3, 2-2 Region 7-AAA) trailed 21-12 at halftime but rallied to retake the lead with a pair of touchdowns. they had a chance to extend the lead but fumbled on the Tigers 2 in the fourth quarter.<br />
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Dawson County (1-7, 1-4) would not quit. The Tigers appeared to score the go-ahead touchdown with one minute left in the game but it was called back on a holding penalty.<br />
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The Leopards' Will Ledford intercepted a pass on the next play and Banks County ran out the clock to preserve the win.<br />
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Zezmon Steeple started things off with a bang catching a 70-yard TD pass from Griffin Goodwin. Goodwin would then connect on a 12-yard TD pass to Austin Segars in the first quarter for a 12-0 lead.<br />
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Dawson County exploded for three second quarter touchdowns to grab a 21-12 halftime lead.<br />
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Ledford, who finished with two interceptions on defense, also threw a 49-yard halfback pass for a touchdown to Malcolm Mitchell.<br />
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Travae Cain had 117 yards rushing and Demetrius Walker added 94 yards rushing and one touchdown.
