MT. AIRY — Chestatee football would love nothing more than to open its region campaign in the way it finished its non-region schedule on Friday.
At least the second half of it.
The War Eagles stormed back from a 30-14 halftime deficit to notch a 41-37 win over Habersham Central in Mt. Airy, forcing a last ditch turnover that kept the Raiders from their own sweet finish, as Nick Lyles fell on a fumble in the Chestatee end zone inside the final two minutes.
It was only part of another big night for the War Eagles standout, who also rushed for 292 yards and four touchdowns as Chestatee rolled up 323 yards on the ground. The visitors also passed for 138 yards, as Storm Yarbrough completed 14 of 25 attempts for 138 yards and a touchdown. Seth Presley caught two passes for 83 yards and a score.
Jacob Goodall also pulled off a key play on Chestatee's special teams, returning a kickoff 75 yards for a score.
Yet the Raiders (1-4) still had a chance to pull ahead late until a fumble near the goal line presented the War Eagles (4-2) with a chance they made the most of.
Chestatee will take a bye next week before taking on West Hall on Oct. 6.
Habersham Central also has a bye next week before facing Gainesville on Oct. 6.
