TOCCOA — Stephens County has not claimed a region title since 2007.
Thanks to yet another gutty effort on Friday, the Indians have a chance to have their say in the Region 8-AAAA race next week.
Stephens County fought back to knock off Oconee County 16-9 at The Reservation, setting up yet another huge showdown next week at Jefferson -- a battle between the only two teams still undefeated in 8-AAAA.
The Indians (7-1, 3-0 Region 8-AAAA) fought back from a 9-0 halftime deficit, using two touchdown runs from AJ Howard and field goal from Luke Pearson to overtake the Warriors (6-2, 2-1) and hand former coach Travis Noland the defeat.
"We've watched it all year long, our kids condition so well in the off season, they run their tail off and they're in great condition, so a lot of times we feel like we're a second half team, and to come out and win the second half and come back and win the game was big," said Stephens County coach Frank Barden. "It was a great win, I mean it was a big win, we've been three in a row with St. Pius, and then Madison and then this one... just a great game and I can't say enough about our kids and the way they hung in there and just fought their tail off."
The Warriors got things going early, forcing a safety on Stephens County, before Sam Middlebrooks scored from a yard out to make it 9-0 with just 11:38 to play in the second quarter. But the Indians defense held firm from there, allowing yards but no scores, as the Warriors managed 221 total yards.
"Our defense is playing great, our defensive coaches are doing a great job preparing them," Barden said.
The Indians finished with 269 total yards -- 171 of that on the ground, including two huge runs from Howard. The running back shook loose for a 36-yard scoring jaunt with 10:14 left in the third quarter to pull within 9-7.
That's where the score stayed until Pearson staked Stephens County to its first lead, 10-9 on a 22-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Then it was Howard's turn again. This time he gave the Indians some breathing room with a 28-yard scoring run.
"Our offense is playing awesome. Every kid we've got, and our kids on the practice field who give us the quality reps to prepare, it's a full team effort," Barden said.
The Indians know they will need another huge effort next week at No. 4 Jefferson, but after chugging their way into position they will gladly take it.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/10/460744/stephens-county-battles-past-oconee-county-to-set-up-tilt-at-jefferson