Rebels: Fannin still perfect
The Fannin County Rebels were not intimidated when the top rated running back in Class 1A came calling Friday night as the hometown favorites improved their season record to 7-0.
The Chattooga Indians featured Zayden Cook in the gridiron showdown between two region opponents. When the game ended, Fannin held a decisive 35-7 victory and a perfect 4-0 region record for first place in 7A. Chattooga dropped to 2-2 in region competition.
Cook was held to 174 rushing yards, well below his per game average of 250-plus yards.
Braxton Cheatham carried the opening kickoff to Fannin’s 23 yard line for the Rebels. But unlike many first offensive possessions for the Rebels, the drive would stall and Fannin would punt.
Starting at their 36 yard line, the Indians marched down the field one first down at a time on Cook’s legs, scoring the first seven points halfway through the first quarter.
Cheatham gave the Rebels good field position with a kickoff return to their 35 yard line. Lawson Sullivan and Carson Callihan churned out yardage on the ground, and a Sullivan pass to Judah Wood added yards before Callihan finished the drive with the touchdown. Matthew Ponton added an extra point to tie the game.
The Rebel defense led by Noah Burnett, Cooper Hillard and C.J. Reece put the brakes on the Indians, bringing up fourth down and forcing punt on Chattooga’s first series.
The Rebels took over at their own 36 yard line. Callihan picked up the first yards of the drive, several on the way downfield, and then last yards when he crossed the goal line for his second touchdown of the night. In between, Sullivan hit Tucker Dockery on a pass play covering 23 yards. Ponton again split the uprights to put the Rebels up 14-7 early in the second quarter.
Chattooga started anther drive after the kickoff. On the way, Cheatham, Cooper Born, Reece, Luke Holsonback, Jacob Dye, Braden Taylor, Scott Waldrep,and Case Holloway all stepped up for tackles and keeping pressure on the quarterback, and Conrad Head broke up a pass in the endzone to force a field goal attempt.
The kick failed and Fannin took over at their 20 yard line.
Another march to six points was led by Callihan, Sullivan and Taylor. It was finished with a touchdown run by Sullivan. Add another Ponton’ extra point and the Rebels went ahead 21-7 late in the second quarter.
Burnette, Dockery and Born stepped up on defense and Case Holloway sacked the Indian quarterback to end the first half.
After the second half kickoff, the Indians made their way deep into Rebels territory before being stopped only yards short of the goal line, shut down on fourth down by a defensive swarm led by Dye.
The Indian offense was back on the field at the Rebel 19 yard line after a pass interception.
Again the visitors got close, and again the Rebel defense rose to the occasion taking over at their own five yard line after a fourth down conversion attempt by the Indians was stopped.
Callihan pounded on the Indian defense one run after another, and Sullivan added a short gain before he hit Taylor with a long touchdown pass. Ponton’s extra point made the score 28-7 late in the third quarter.
The Indians failed to get a first down on their next possession as the Rebel defense forced a punt.
The Rebels started at their 45 yard line and Callihan ran for eight yards to end the third quarter.
Sullivan connected with Taylor down field for another score and Ponton, 7 for 7 on the night, booted another extra point to put the Rebels on top 35-7.
The Rebel defense forced the Indians to turn the ball over on downs on the visitors next possession.
Callihan and Sullivan shared rushing duties on the Rebels next possession to close out the game with a Rebel victory.
The Rebels will have a bye week next week before hosting Armuchee Friday, October 18.