TIGER — Rabun County showed Friday night it can win even when its vaunted offense is having an off night.
The Wildcats got a defensive score, a punt return, and a blocked punt for touchdowns in taking a 49-6 win over Chattooga in the first round of the Class AA playoffs.
Chattooga ran 57 plays to Rabun's 39 and outgained the Wildcats 314 to 305 but 11 penalties and three turnovers, not counting the blocked punt, stiffled the Indians' (4-7) ability to sustain drives.
The Wildcats (11-0) came in leading Class AA in scoring at 49.8 points per game but led just 14-0 at halftime with just one offensive score, an 8-yard touchdown pass from Bailey Fisher to Chase Horton late in the first quarter. Justin Wilkes recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone on the final play of the first half gave them the 14-0 lead.
Fisher got the offense rolling in the third quarter with touchdown passes to Brison Beck and Cole Keener and Gavin Jones returned a fumble 13 yards and Austin Jones returned a punt 47 yards to blow the game open with a 28-point third quarter and a 42-0 lead. Fisher added a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter.
Chattooga got on the board with an 88-yard touchdown with just under six minutes left.
Fisher was an efficient 11-of-14 for 209 yards and three touchdown passing. He also added 153 yards rushing.
Rabun County next will take on the Temple-B.E.S.T. Academy winner next week in the second round.
