The Fannin Rebels football team handed the Gordon Central Warriors their first loss Friday, September 26, with a 42-21 region victory.
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Rebels first drive ended with a Casen Bailey punt to the Warriors’ 15 yard line.
The defense held, stopping the hosts without a first down. On the punt, the snap was low, and Cayden Reece tackled the punter on the three yard line. Bryson Cole scored the touchdown, and Matthew Ponton added one to make it 7-0 early in the first.
Fannin’s defense again forced a Gordon Central punt,
and the Rebels took over at their own 29 yard line.
This time, the Rebels were held and punted, their hosts taking over at their own 27 yard line.
Fannin’s defense repeated its previous efforts, again denying the Warriors a first down.
After starting at their 31, the Rebels marched down field, Cole finishing the drive with a six-point run. Ponton’s PAT made it 14-0 late in first quarter.
Another three and out by the Rebel defense forced another Warrior punt, but this time the Rebels were also forced to kick the ball away.
After two more possession changes, the Rebels started a touchdown march from their 30 yard line. The score came when Nate O’Neal found Jared Wood in the back corner on the end zone for a touchdown. With a Ponton extra point, the score totaled 21-0.
The Warriors found the end zone on their next possession, pulling to within 14 at 21-7.
Braxton Cheatham crossed the goal line just before halftime and Ponton again split the uprights to give the Rebels a 28-7 lead.
The Rebel defense picked up where it left off, stopping Gordon Central’s first possession with a three and out.
The Rebels took the ball, marched toward the end zone, and Cole scored another touchdown. With a Ponton kick, the score was 35-7 in the third quarter.
Forcing another punt, the Rebels marched for another Cole touchdown and Ponton PAT to take a 42-7 lead late in the third quarter.
Gordon Central was able to score early in the fourth, trailing 42-14, and the Rebels allowed one more score to end the game with a 42-21 victory.
The Rebels will travel to Chattooga to continue region play, Friday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m.