EATONTON — Gunner Stockton threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others while Austin Jones accounted for three touchdowns to lead Rabun County to a 42-20 win over Putnam County Friday night in both teams' Region 8-2A openers.
The four-time defending region champion Wildcats (3-1, 1-0 Region 8-2A) opened with a bang as Jones took the first snap 72-yards for a score. Later in the quarter Hunter Dills picked off a Putnam County pass, the first of three interceptions on the night, and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Rabun County then exploded for 28 second quarter points. Jones caught the first Stockton touchdown throw from 9-yards to push it to 21-0 but the War Eagles (1-3, 0-1) pulled within 21-7 on an 84-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Crouch to Jadon Williams.
The Wildcats put things out of reach scoring 21 points in less than four minutes as the defense clamped down on the War Eagles. Stockton scored on a 28-yard run and then connected with Jones on a 40-yard touchdown pass. On their next possession Stockton and Jones connected again for 36 yards and Stockton capped the first half barrage with a 6-yard touchdown run and a 42-7 lead.
It stayed that way until the War Eagles managed a pair of fourth quarter scores against the reserves.
Jons finished with 179 all-purpose yards for Rabun County. Stockton was 7 of 16 for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns passing and added another 55 yards rushing.
The Wildcats defense continued to show it is a tough unit holding the War Eagles to just 45 yards rushing and forcing four turnovers for the game.
The Wildcats will play host to Monticello next week in another region battle. Putnam County will head to Union County (4-0, 1-0) next week.
