FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Cherokee Bluff's fourth-quarter rally fell short in a 28-25 loss to Walnut Grove on Friday at Yonah Field.
The loss ended Bluff's hopes for a playoff spot.
The Warriors (6-1, 4-1 Region 8-4A) slowly ran out to a 14-0 lead in the first half on 21-yard, and 35-yard passes.
Bluff (2-6, 2-4 Region 8-4A) responded with 10 straight points, a 12-yard Kaden Thompson run, and a 35-yard Xavier Diaz field goal with 4 seconds left in the half to go in down 14-10.
In the second half, the Warriors scored with 5:51 left in the third quarter to go up 21-10 and later added their final touchdown with 11 minutes to go in the game for a 28-10 lead.
Connor Griffin sparked the Bears' comeback with two touchdown runs of 1 and 2 yards to cut the lead 28-25 with 3:10 left in the game.
Walnut Grove outgained the Bears 359 yards to 285 and possessed the ball for almost 8 more minutes.
Asher Wilson finished the night 17-of-32 with 218 yards and one rushing touchdown. Conner Hulsey was his top target, hauling six passes for 91 yards.
