DANIELSVILLE — Another Friday, another shootout.
This time, however, Habersham Central battled its way to the winning end. And after dropping so many close contests last season, the Raiders will certainly hope that this week's 42-35 win over Madison County in Danielsville will start a new trend.
Habersham went on a 22-7 run through the end of the second quarter and into the fourth to build a 42-28 cushion with 8:58 to play.
And after last week's fightback versus Dawson County fell short in a 32-28 loss -- not to mention seven losses by a touchdown or (more often) less last season -- Friday's response proved encouraging.
New starting quarterback Tre Luttrell helped make the difference, completing 14 of 25 passes for 272 yards and 4 touchdowns -- including two to Dontarius Bailey. Though it was Donnie Curry who proved a continuous thorn in the Red Raiders' side, hauling in 7 receptions for 170 yards and a score.
The Raiders (1-1) rolled up 483 total yards, including 211 on the ground, led by 96 yards and a touchdown from Tracey Lowery.
Madison County rushed for 384 yards, Colby Smith (156) and Travon Lattimore (142) doing most of the damage and scoring two touchdowns apiece. But after taking a 21-13 lead woth 2:05 left in the first half, the Red Raiders watched as Habersham caught fire behind a rushing score from Lowery and three touchdown passes from Luttrell to grab the momentum.
Habersham will travel to face White County (1-0) next week in Cleveland.
