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Raiders rally to beat Salem in thrilling finish

By Jeff Hart Sports Reporter
Posted 10:57PM on Friday 9th September 2011 ( 13 years ago )
MOUNT AIRY -- Kevin Ellison connected with Zac Franks on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 31 seconds left to cap a wild final three minutes and give the Raiders an improbable 43-39, come-from-behind win over Salem Friday night in Region 8-AAAA.

The Raiders (2-1, 2-1 Region 8-AAAA) trailed 39-28 with just over three minutes remaining and looked to be just about done with Salem facing a third-and-goal at the Habersham 1. But Salem fumbled and the Raiders recovered to stay alive.

Ellison would later cap the long drive with a touchdown run and then hit Franks on a pass for a two-point conversion to pull within 39-36. The Raiders would then recover the on-side kick only to be called for offsides.

In would not matter, however, as Habersham would also recover the second on-side attempt. Ellison converted on two third down attempts to keep the drive alive before connecting with Franks on the go-ahead touchdown.

The Seminoles (1-2, 1-2) would have one last chance driving to the Habersham 30-yard line but could not connect on a final-play Hail Mary pass to end the game.

The Raiders had a similar ending last week only it was watching Cedar Shoals score the final 34 points of the game in the final 18 minutes. Habersham led 34-7 in that game and led 21-7 midway through the second quarter against Salem.

Habersham coach Stuart Cunningham said his team refused to let it happen two weeks in a row.

"It was an unbelievable win after an unbelievable loss last week," he said. "The kids never gave up and just ended up (finding a way to win). Ellison was huge and Franks had those big catches. I just feel good for the guys right now."

Ellison had a huge game for Habersham rushing for 101 yards and scoring three touchdowns and also passing for another 146 yards with two touchdowns. Franks finished with five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.

Habersham finished with 371 total yards against 443 for the Seminoles.

Jahaad Coleman paced Salem with 181 yards rushing and three touchdowns and he helped spark the Seminoles second half rally with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/9/241784

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