ROME -- Lumpkin County put up some impressive drives but had a hard time finding its scoring touch on Friday.<br />
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The Indians out-gained Model by almost 100 yards and had 18 more first downs but fell short 15-8 in Rome in their season opener and coach Ty Maxwell's first contest in charge.<br />
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Zach Matthews scored a second quarter touchdown for Lumpkin County -- and put up the 2-point conversion on a run -- to haul the Indians even at 8-8 before the half. But Model pulled ahead for good in the third quarter despite some strong drives from the Indians (0-1).<br />
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Lumpkin County rolled up 333 total yards -- including 304 rushing -- compared to 239 for Model. <br />
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Matthews led the charge for Lumpkin, carrying 37 times for 176 yards, while Timmy Summersett added 62 yards on 16 carries. Bradley Womack also rushed for 42 yards.<br />
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Both teams turned the ball over twice.<br />
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Lumpkin County will take a week off before getting back on the field against Union County on Sept. 5 in Dahlonega.
