NORCROSS — The Lumpkin County Indians left it all on the field Friday night at Greater Atlanta Christian, trading blows in a game that had fans on both sides on their feet until the final whistle. In the end, it was a last-second GAC field goal that proved the difference, as the Indians came up just short, 37-35.

From the opening kick, Lumpkin set the tone. The Indians marched down the field on their first possession and punched it in, riding the legs of senior running back Nolan Matthews. Matthews was unstoppable, carrying the ball 27 times for 223 yards and four touchdowns, slicing through the Spartan defense with power and speed.

Behind Matthews, Lumpkin’s offensive line opened holes all night, and the Indians jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Every time GAC clawed back, the Indians had an answer, leaning on their ground game and Matthews’ grit to keep the scoreboard rolling.

But GAC refused to go away. The Spartans countered with big plays through the air and on the ground, eventually pulling even late in the game. With the score tied in the final minute, GAC moved the ball into field-goal range and split the uprights as time wound down, sealing the narrow win.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Indians showed once again they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone. Matthews’ performance was one of the best of his career, and the fight Lumpkin showed from start to finish reflected the team’s character.

The loss drops Lumpkin County to 2-2 on the season, but there’s no doubt the Indians proved their toughness in Norcross. With Matthews powering the backfield and the defense continuing to battle, the Purple and Gold look ready to make noise as region play looms.

Next up, the Indians will regroup and get back on the road at Chestatee.