PAT: Braden Taylor blocked extra point try by Gordon Lee
The Fannin County High School Rebels walked off their home turf in Blue Ridge Friday night with an undefeated 10-0 season, the Region Championship and Head Coach Chad Cheatham’s 52nd win at FCHS. The Rebels recorded these accomplishments after taking a 30-27 victory over the Gordon Lee Trojans.
Fannin County started the game on their 35 yard line and began a march for seven points. The longest play of the drive came when Lawson Sullivan, facing third and long, hit Tucker Dockery with a 26-yard pass to give the Rebels first and goal inside the five yard line. Carson Callihan put the ball within inches then finished the drive with the score. Matthew Ponton added another point with his kick through the uprights, giving Fannin a 7-0 lead halfway through the first quarter.
After the kickoff and a pair of quick stops, one by Cooper Hilliard and Cannon Holloway, and a second by CJ Reece, the Gordon Lee running back broke free on a 74-yard run for six points. The point after tied the game at 7-7 late in the opening quarter.
Bryson Cole returned the Trojan kick to the Rebel 39 yard line and the Rebels began what would be another, consistent offensive march. Callihan and Sullivan runs, and pass completions to Judah Wood, Elijah Weaver and Brandon Taylor moved the ball down field. The drive ended with six points when Sullivan connected with Taylor on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Ponton’s PAT was good, and the Rebels regained the lead 14-7.
Luke Holsonback made a big hit for no gain to end the first quarter with Gordon Lee at their own 25 yard line. The Trojans were stopped and forced to punt as the second quarter got underway.
Having started at their 35 yard line, Sullivan broke loose and took the ball 65 yards to the end zone. Another Ponton extra point made the score 21-7.
Starting at their 30 yard line, the Trojans marched down the field to close the gap by six points, but Braden Taylor blocked the extra point attempt to keep the Rebels on top 21-13.
The Rebels took over on their 20 yard line, but a fumble would give the visitors the ball at the Rebel 39 yard line. Gordon Lee took advantage and quickly closed the gap to 21-20.
A pass interception stopped the next Rebel drive, but Fannin’s defense rose to the task and held Gordon Lee. After a punt, the Rebels took over at the 46 yard line to end the half.
Gordon Lee received the second half kickoff, but was forced by Fannin’s defense to give up the ball on a turnover on downs at the Rebel 32 yard line.
After a lone first down, the Rebels were forced to punt and the Trojans started at the 35 yard line. Gordon Lee fought their way 65 yards to take their first lead of the game, 27-21 late in the third quarter.
The Rebels started their drive at their own 20, moved steadily, but were forced to settle for a 28-yard field goal by Ponton that pulled the hometown favorites to within three at 27-24.
A defensive stand led by Bryson Cole, Taylor, CJ Reece, Braxton Cheatham and Holsonback forced a Gordon Lee punt that left Fannin at their own 26 yard line. A Sullivan pass to Weaver would put the ball into the end zone. Ponton’s extra point was no good, leaving the score 30-27 late in the fourth quarter.
Ponton’s touchback kickoff left the Trojans with the ball at their 20 yard line. The Trojans soon found themselves with third and ten with seconds left.
Thanks to pressure from the Rebel defensive line, a rushed pass was picked off by Cooper Born with 20 seconds left on the clock to secure the Region Championship and the #1 seed in post season action.
The Rebels will play the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs Friday, November 15, with more details to come.