The Fannin County Rebels hosted Stephens County for a preseason scrimmage Friday, August 12.
The Rebels were able to see their reconstructed offense and defense work at game speed against the Stephens County Indians.
The Rebels started off the first quarter on offense. Senior quarterback Corbin Davenport was able to connect a few passes as well as run the ball to gain yardage.
Stephens County took advantage of a misread play and snagged an interception just over eight minutes in, then, threw a quick pass and ran in for a touchdown halfway through the first quarter. Stephens picked off another pass but got called back for holding and took over at the 38-yard line.
The Rebel defense didn’t allow for the Indians to gain a first down and took back over at their 15-yard line.
The Rebels were able to run the ball for a first down, but Stephens defense answered and they regained control.
The Rebels’ defense held strong, which allowed for them to start the second quarter on offense. Jack Kantner, then, came in on fourth down to punt and booted it to the Stephens County 32-yard line. After penalties and few stops, the Rebels offense returned to the field at the Stephens 26-yard line.
Davenport and Cade Sands ran the ball to get in field goal range for Kantner. They took back over due to a “roughing the kicker” penalty. The Rebels got in the in-zone but not before a fumble, so the Indians regained control. The Rebels’ defense marked quite a few tackles for loss in the first half. Stephens County nearly earned a touchdown but fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Davenport. Then, the Rebels fumbled and Stephens took over with 16 seconds left in half, which was just enough to score a touchdown. The score was 14 to zero with Stephens County leading to end the first half.
The second began with several penalties, which the Rebels capitalized on. Senior Jeremy Tammen made another tackle for loss for the Rebels. Stephens threw a long pass and earned a first down. It was first and goal for Stephens and Nate Maloof made another tackle for loss for the Rebels. Stephens County attempted a field goal from the 23-yard line, which they missed.
Offensively, the Rebels put in sophomore Elijah Weaver at quarterback who completed a few passes for the Rebels.
During the fourth quarter, the JV players took over for both teams. Stephens County looked to throw in for a touchdown, but the Rebels didn’t allow it. Scotty Waldrep made the play.
The Rebels fumbled and Stephens took over on the twelve-yard line. They earned another touchdown with just over three minutes in the fourth quarter.
Fannin’s Head Coach Chad Cheatham said, “I think playing good teams only sets you up for success later in the season. (Stephens) was very good and we didn’t help ourselves turning the ball over.”
He continued with, “Got to clean up mistakes and we will be fine. (The team) is excited and resilient. It’s going to be a great week!”
The Rebels will travel to officially kick off their season Friday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. against the Panthers at Union County High School. This will be the 31st all time meeting and are tied at 15 wins each. The winner will earn control of the series.