HOMER — Banks County football knew it would have to make a statement in order to host a state playoff game this season.
On Friday night receiver Bryce Bennett helped the Leopards make that statement in a 43-29 win over then-No. 10 Elbert County in the Granite Bowl.
A senior, Bennett caught four passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, rushed two times for 22 yards and a touchdown and also threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to help Banks County to a comeback win that netted the No. 2 seed from Region 8-AA. The Leopards standout also returned kickoffs for over 70 yards in helping his program to a fourth straight win, as it heads into the postseason for the first time since 2011.
For his efforts, Bennett has been named the Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Player of the Week.
Thanks to players like Bennett -- who leads the team in receiving with 46 receptions for 908 yards and 11 touchdowns -- Banks County will now get a chance to win its first ever state playoff game at home when it plays host to Atlanta's KIPP Academy this week in Homer.
With that in mind, AccessWDUN sports and Friday Game Night editor Morgan Lee recently caught up with Bennett to talk about his big night, his team's late season surge and its shot at history.
2016 Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Players of the Week
Week 1 -- Edmond Graham, receiver, Mill Creek
Week 2 -- Kyle Bacus, running back, North Hall
Week 3 -- Griffin Goodwin, quarterback, Banks County
Week 4 -- Bailey Fisher, quarterback, Rabun County
Week 5 -- Kaleb Crane, quarterback, White County
Week 6 -- Zach Matthews, running back, Lumpkin County
Week 7 -- Cole Wright, quarterback, Union County
Week 8 -- Gainesville High defense
Week 9 -- Coey Watson, quarterback, Dawson County
Week 10 -- Cole Chancey, running back, Commerce
Week 11 -- Deon Williams, receiver/defensive back, Winder-Barrow
Week 12 -- Bryce Bennett, receiver, Banks County
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/11/467081/bvideob-player-of-the-week-bennett-ignites-leopards-to-huge-road-win-home-playoff-berth