BOGART — Class AAAAAA No. 9 Winder-Barrow overcame three turnovers and numerous penalties to hold off North Oconee 17-14 Friday night on the road.
The win for the Bulldoggs (5-0) matches the best start in program history. The 1989 team opened the season 10-0 that year.
Winder fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter but got a 1-yard touchdown run from junior running back Jamar Mack to tie the game by halftime. The Bulldogs took their first lead in the third quarter on a 32-yard field goal from Harlan Brown and extended the lead to 17-7 with an 11-yard Brock Landis scoring run.
They turned it over to the defense. Logan Cash and Aaron Bagley combine for 20 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception as they held the Titans (1-4) scoreless until the final 1:30 of the game when North oconee took advantage of a Winder turnover to pull within 17-14.
But the Bulldogs recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran the clock out.
Winder-Barrow coach Heath Webb said they were fortunate to come out with a victory.
"We didn't play well and (North Oconee) played real well. But the defense has been playing lights out the last couple of weeks and really carried us. We were fortunate," Webb said. "We've just been real sloppy the last couple of weeks. We've turned it over seven times and if not for the defense we would have lost both games."
Landis finished with 16-of-29 passing for 165 yards and added 68 more on the ground. Mack was held in check with just 43 yards on 15 carries rushing and had five catches 36 yards.
Winder-Barrow will open its Region 8-AAAAAA scheddule next week playing host to county-rival Apalachee.
