Lumpkin County “defined by effort” in game against Spartans

The Lumpkin County Indians football team proved on Friday night that it’s not always about what the scoreboard says.

Although the Indians lost to Greater Atlanta Christian by a final score of 49-6, numerous great moments displayed the improvements the team has made over the course of the season- and all against one of the toughest teams in the region.

“We’ve been talking all season, but really just in the last couple of weeks about how we need to be defined by our effort,” said head coach Caleb Sorrells. “We had a lot of fun, we competed and that’s what you’re supposed to do!”

With starting players Aaron Hopkins, Drew Allison and Ryan Burkhart out with injuries the Indians were forced to switch around in positions to make do. But instead of shrinking away, those in different positions stepped up to make great plays.

Lumpkin County’s defense started off on a strong note by holding the Spartans to three and out for their first possession.

The Indians defense provided great coverage of the Spartans receivers throughout the night. Jared Hoch broke up several passes to prevent first downs, and Joseph Allison broke through the line for a sack early into the game. Ethan Kline made several tackles, and even BoJack Dowdy, playing on the other side of the ball, stopped receivers with solid tackles in the second half.

The Lumpkin County offense struggled to convert a first down against the GAC starting defense, but came to life in the second quarter. A nine yard rush by Dowdy set up a play to get a first down, and then a pass from Tucker Kirk to Brian Cunane converted another.

Lumpkin County was able to convert another first down during their next possession, when Cunane carried on a fake punt. The play payed off- as the highlight of the night for the Indians came shortly after.

On second down, Kirk started the play with a handoff to Jackson Root, who then dropped back to complete a pass to Cunane for a touchdown.

The Indians offense would go on to convert several more first downs throughout the second half of the game.

Quarterback Tucker Kirk finished the night going 8 for 20 with 71 yards. BoJack Dowdy finished the night with 21 yards rushing over 12 carries. Tanner Barber also rushed for 21 yards later in the game over four carries.

On the receiving end, Cunane was Kirk’s go-to guy for several pass completions, but Ethan Kline also had a couple long catches for 37 yards.

Looking ahead, Lumpkin County will be back at home Friday night, October 25th, for their next region game against the North Hall Trojans. The Trojans are 4-3 overall in the season and 2-1 in the region.