The Lumpkin County Indians Defeat the Pickens County Dragons 42-7 to Go 5-0 on the Season

By: Noah Johnson

The Lumpkin County Indians hosted the Pickens County Dragons on Friday, hoping to go 5-0 on the season, which has not happened for the team since 1988. The Indians were looking to make a statement as the contest against the Dragons was their first region game of the season. The Indians had a bye week last Friday, but were poised to build on the momentum from their close win over the Temple Tigers in their homecoming game. Similarly, the Dragons were flying high after their first win of the season last Friday against the Christian Heritage Lions. The Indian defense came out strong in the first quarter, quickly scoring twice to put them up 14-0 on the Dragons. The Dragons struggled on the offensive side of the ball in the first quarter, unable to score on their first two possessions, turning the ball over to the Indian offense. In the final minutes of the first, the Dragons were able to score on a rushing touchdown making the score 14-7 Indians. In the final two minutes of the quarter, the Dragons forced a fumble and got the ball back to start the second quarter. The Dragons were threatening at the beginning of the second quarter, but a costly fumble in the red zone gave the ball back to the Indians. The Indians would eventually score in the second quarter making the score 21-7 Indians. The Indians would receive the ball to begin the second half and after a lengthy drive with several flags against the offense, the Indians were able to make it to the endzone, making the score 28-7 Indians. Pickens was unable to respond to the Indian offensive drive and went to the 4th quarter down three scores. The Dragons could not manage to overcome the Indian defense or stop the offense, resulting in another Indian touchdown making the score 35-7. The Indians put the nail in the coffin on the Dragon’s next possession, intercepting a pass and taking it to the house for six, making the score 42-7 with less than a minute to play. The Dragons would run two more plays before the clock would run out giving Lumpkin County the 42-7 win over Pickens County.

The game began with the Dragons receiving the ball, looking to set the tone for the game. The Indian defense came out strong and forced the Dragon punting unit onto the field quickly to begin the contest. The Indian’s offensive trio of #32 Mason Sullens, #18 Cooper Scott, and player of the week #1 Cal Faulkner put together a quality drive after receiving the punt. Sullens pushed the ball down the field and muscled a 15-yard rushing touchdown on 3rd and 1 to give the Indians an early 7-0 lead. After getting the ball back, the Dragons were unsuccessful and forced to punt the ball back to the Indians with less than six minutes left in the quarter. The Indians struggled at the beginning of their next series, finding themselves in a 3rd and long position after a sack by the Dragons on Indians quarterback Scott. Scott was able to overcome the situation and air out a beautiful pass to Faulkner for a 67-yard touchdown making the score 14-0 Indians. The Dragons got the ball back and were able to push it down the field into Indian territory setting up their first potential scoring drive. #13 Kadyn Hampton came up huge with an 11-yard rush for a touchdown, making the score 14-7 Indians. The Indians got the ball back, but not for long as the Dragons forced a fumble on their 24-yard line. The Dragons were set up for success in the final minute of the quarter, but great coverage by the Indian defense put the Dragons in a 4th and 1 situation as the quarter came to a close.

The second quarter began with the Dragons threatening to score on 4th and 1 in the red zone. The Indians were able to pick up a Dragon fumble, giving their offense the ball with a 14-7 lead. The Indian’s offense put together a quality drive following the recovered fumble led by Scott who was able to avoid two Dragon defenders and make a pass to Sullens for a huge first down. The Indian offense would be tested again as they attempted to convert on 4th and 1. The Indians lined up in punt formation and snapped directly to #22 Will Wood who ran straight through the defense for an Indians first down setting up 1st and goal. The offense kept the ball on the ground after converting on 4th and 1, and Sullens and Scott were able to rush the Indians into the red zone. The drive would end with Scott diving into the endzone on a QB sneak, making the score 21-7 Indians. The Dragons would receive the kickoff and start from their 28-yard line with 3 minutes left in the first half. The Dragons put together a strong series on offense and were hopeful to score again before heading to the locker room. The Dragons went for it on 4th down again with a pass intended for the endzone, but #14 Jay Grizzle was able to bat the ball down and give the ball back to the Indian offense. With only a minute left in the half, the Indian offense would attempt a couple of running plays to run the clock down. The half would come to a close with the Indians leading the Dragons 21-7.

The Indians received the ball to begin the second half and were starting their series at the 30-yard line. The Indians had trouble in the first couple of plays of the series, forcing them to a 3rd and long situation. This was no problem for Scott as he was able to air the ball out to Faulkner for a completion and a first down. The Indian momentum would be slowed by three consecutive flags against the Indians, setting up 1st and 30. The duo of Scott and Faulkner were able to complete back-to-back passes to get to the endzone for the 4th time, making the score 28-7 Indians. Pickens was unable to get anything going on their next drive, turning the ball over on downs. The Indians would get the ball back with 3 minutes left in the quarter but were unable to score as they would also turn the ball over on downs. Pickens got the ball back and was set up 3rd and long as we went to the 4th quarter.

Pickens began the 4th quarter looking to convert on 3rd and 17, needing to get a score on the possession. #4 Walker Scott of the Indians had different plans as he got the quarterback for a sack and a loss of 10 yards. The Dragons would then punt on 4th and 27, giving the Indians the ball back at midfield. The Indians were poised to score as Sullens made a 40-yard rush to the endzone, but unfortunately, a holding flag against the Indians would void the touchdown and push them back. The flag did not matter as Scott found Faulkner for a third receiving touchdown making the score 35-7. The Dragons got the ball back with eight minutes left in the game and were able to get the ball into the red zone, looking for anything positive as a comeback seemed highly unlikely. The Dragons would have no luck as Grizzle, from the Indians, forced a fumble and then recovered it to give the Indians possession. The Indians would punt on their next drive, giving the Dragons one more chance to score as there were less than 2 minutes in the contest. The Dragons looked to move the ball downfield through the air, but great coverage by the Indians resulted in a score for the home team. #2 Harper Davenport was able to intercept the Dragon pass and run it back for an Indian touchdown making the score 42-7 with seconds left in the game. The game would come to an end as the Lumpkin County Indians beat the Pickens County Dragons 42-7 in their first regional matchup.

The Dragons are now 1-4 on the season as they head into their bye week. The Indians are now 5-0 on the season, the first time since 1988. The Indians will have another regional matchup next week as they travel to Norcross to take on the 1-4 Wesleyan Wolves.