HOMER — Banks County showed it is ready to maintain its challenge in Region 7-AAA on Friday.
The Leopards sprinted to a 35-7 halftime lead and held on for a 48-31 win over Lumpkin County that -- combined with outcomes elsewhere in the region -- lifted Banks into a tie for first place with four other teams in 7-AAA.
"This victory gets us one step closer to our goals," Banks County coach Biff Parson said.
The Leopards took that step thanks in large part to an offense that chewed up rushing yardage against the Indians (2-6, 0-4). Banks County finished with 305 yards rushing -- part of 515 yards total -- led by 168 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries from Trevae Cain. Cain also caught a 66-yard touchdown pass.
Zez Steeple also enjoyed a big night for Banks, rushing for 128 yards and a score and catching a 55-yard scoring bomb. Quarterback Griffin Godwin completed 5 of 8 passes for 189 yards.
"They are great leaders," Parson said of Cain and Steeple. "We ask a lot of them and they accept that challenge. We've also got guys banged up, but the next guys keeps stepping up."
Cain ran rampant in the first half, scoring three touchdowns, while Steeple added one, as the Leopards sprinted in front.
Yet Lumpkin County would not let Banks put the contest away, as quarterback Chandler Woodham and running back Zach Matthews combined to score four touchdowns and make things interesting. Woodham scored just before halftime, while Matthews scored just after the interval. Those touchdowns, combined with a 22-yard field goal from Wesley Wells, helped Lumpkin pull within 35-17. But, once again, Cain responded, his three-yard run making it 41-17 early in the fourth quarter.
"Our kids are teenagers, and it's 35-7 and it's hard to get them back jacked up like they were," Parson said. "But they responded when they needed to."
Woodham finished with 210 yards total offense, including 108 yds passing, while Matthews put up 100 yards rushing.
Banks County travels to Dawson County in a key region contest next week.
Lumpkin County will take a bye before playing Dawson County on Oct. 30.
SCORING SUMMARY
LUMPKIN COUNTY......0.....7....10....14 -- 31
BANKS COUNTY.......21....14.....0....13 -- 48
First Quarter
BC -- Cain 1 run (Ramiro Cuadra kick) 7-0
BC -- Steeple 55 pass from Goodwin (Cuadra kick) 14-0
BC -- Cain 1 run (Cuadra kick) 21-0
Second Quarter
BC -- Cain 65 pass from Goodwin (Cuadra kick) 28-0
LC -- Woodham 8 run (Wesley Wells kick) 28-7
BC -- Cain 48 run (Cuadra kick) 35-7
Third Quarter
LC -- Matthews 5 run (Wells kick) 35-14
LC -- Wells 22 field goal 35-17
Fourth Quarter
BC -- Cain 3 run (Cuadra kick blocked) 41-17
LC -- Matthews 15 run (Wells kick) 41-24
BC -- Steeple 66 run (Cuadra kick) 48-24
LC -- Woodham 3 run (Wells kick) 48-31
