The Lumpkin Co. Indians lost to the Banks Co. Leopards 37-0 in Dahlonega on Friday night. The Indians struggled to move the ball most of the night, aside from a few big plays. One of those big plays was a screen pass to sophomore Caleb Norrell on a run-pass option that resulted in a huge gain for Lumpkin Co. late in the third quarter.

Brady Rice and Gannon Flakes celebrating Flakes’ interception.

The Indians won the toss to begin the game but chose to differ to the second half. Banks Co. started off the game with an eight minute drive that ended with them turning the ball over on downs. Unfortunately, Lumpkin Co.’s first drive wasn’t as productive. On the second play, a bad snap resulted in a safety that put Banks Co. up 2-0. Less than a minute later, Banks Co. scored on a one-yard touchdown run after two big plays.

Banks Co. started off the second quarter with a quick touchdown to put them up 16-0 less than a minute in. After a three and out from Lumpkin, junior Gannon Flakes intercepted a pass to get the ball back for the Indians. On the next drive, Lumpkin Co. threw an interception of their own, which was returned for a touchdown to extend the Banks Co. lead to 23-0. The Indians responded well with a good drive, but it was cut short by an interception at the line of scrimmage. The Leopards drove down the field and scored another touchdown to put them up 30-0 right before the end of the half.

Harper Davenport cutting up the field against the Leopards’ defense.

Lumpkin Co. started off the second half with a few strong runs by sophomore Caden Gibson. However, the Indians threw an interception and couldn’t maintain the momentum. The Indians dropped an interception on the next drive, and Banks Co. capitalized on a long touchdown run to put them up 37-0 late in the 3^rd. The teams traded possessions to finish the game, but neither team was able to score.

Lumpkin Co. travels to play at St. Francis next Friday at 7:30 p.m.