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2021 Indian Super Bowl Champs Recognized
Community, Election December 22, 2021
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Board of Commissioners recognized the 2021 Indians 2nd and K/1st Grade Football teams for their super bowl victories at the meeting on Dec. 21.
After the proclamations for the football teams’ super bowl wins, the board also voted to table a resolution to amend the Character Area Map until January in order to give staff time to better define the parameters for the change. They also approved the resolution requesting General Assembly Approval of Revised District Map and they approved the setting of qualifying fees for candidates seeking election to certain offices.
The Indians 2nd Grade Football team with their coaches and the Commissioners.
The Commissioners unanimously approved the proclamations for the 2021 Indians 2nd and K/1st Grade Football teams. These proclamations were to honor the tiny Indians on their Super Bowl victories.
This was the second year in a row for the 2nd grade football team. They had a 9-1 record with a total of 252 points scored and only allowed their opponents a total of 6 points for the season.
The Indians K/1st Grade Football team with two of their coaches and Commissioner Greene.
“Take it to high school boys,” exclaimed Chris Dockery Chairman of the board.
Most of the K/1st team was not able to be present at the meeting due to Covid. The team had a 10-0 record with a total of 356 points and they had only 99 points scored against them all season.
“This is special to us, we appreciate all your efforts as parents and coaches,” Dockery explained.
The Character Area Map amendment is to change the designation of the area from the 2017 Comprehensive Plan. This request comes from Amicalola Propane out of Dawsonville. The requested change is to a light industrial area.
At this time however, the definition of what light industrial entails, provided by staff, the commissioners felt was too vague. Thus, they voted to table the item until January to give staff time to provide a more comprehensive definition that is fair to the residents in the area and the business. To view when this issue will be on the agenda go to http://lumpkincountyga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Calendar.aspx?From=1/1/2022&To=12/31/2022.
The area in question for the Character Area Map.
The request to the General Assembly to approve the revision of the district map is to ensure that each district represents an equal number of the community. The board has also requested that they receive a copy of the new bill before it is put in place of they can ensure that the districts are equal.
The district map of Lumpkin County.
The commissioners voted to approve the qualifying fees for candidates seeking election to certain offices. Those offices are districts 3 and 4 for the commissioners and the chairperson and districts 2 and 4 for the board of education. These numbers meet the state standard of 3% of the gross salary for the positions.
The fees for the commissioner’s positions are $288.00 for a four-year term. For the board of education, the chairperson, and district 4 it’s $46.50 for a four-year term and district 2 is $42.00 also for a four-year term.
FYN Sports Top 5 Football Stadiums in Our Viewing Area
Team FYN Sports July 5, 2021
Just here to spark a little bit of fun debate during the off-season! Our writers blind voted on their favorite stadiums in our viewing area, and these were the results. I’m sure everyone will have their own opinion, so let us hear your opinions and what we got wrong!
Each stadium write up is written by a member of the schools community.
1. Fannin County High School
Fannin County High School Football Stadium comes in at #1 on our FYN Sports Top Football Stadium in our Coverage Area.
Although the stadium has no nickname, it is often been referred to in the past as “The Battlefield”
Fannin County may have the best entrance in all of Georgia. The Rebels walk out of their locker-room directly to a gigantic blow up Fannin County Football Helmet. Coach Cheatham usually is the 1st one to break open the facemask on the helmet and the Fannin County Football team walks onto the field with arms locked. The cannon fires, the smoke rises, music blares, lights go out and then flash from pole to pole. It is a striking entrance and one that every High School Football fan needs to see.
Yes, we mentioned a Cannon. And yes, it does fire. Every time Fannin County enters the stadium and scores a Touchdown the Cannon is shot and is heard throughout the town of Blue Ridge. Yes, we mentioned Lights cutting off and flashing. Every time a Touchdown is scored Fannin County’s LED Light system will flash from pole to pole igniting the roar of the Fannin County 12th man.
Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is played and PA Announcer Tim Towe famous “ITS 3rd DOWN” sparks the Rebel Nation to make noise on 3rd Down.
I think if you witnessed a game here during Fannin County’s magical season last season you would agree with our choice.
The Stadium is a true 12th man Atmosphere. Powered by everything we have mentioned and the award winning Fannin County High School Marching band, the cheerleaders and “The Blue Crew” ( Student Section) Fannin County is our choice for Top Stadium in our coverage area.
2. Murphy High School
Photo taken by Mark Muir
David Gentry Field at Bob Hedrix memorial stadium is nothing short of picturesque. The location of the stadium is one of it’s best qualities, being right off the road and allowing passers by to honk their car horns and cheer on the Dogs, whether that be on Friday night or Tuesday afternoon at practice. Watching the team walk down the hill at 7:27 on Friday night just before kickoff is electric. The sun setting behind the visiting bleachers on a crisp fall evening is really something to behold. Dont even get me started on the sheer history of what’s been accomplished on that field. 10 state championship teams have played under those lights, and for the past 40 years, perhaps the greatest High School football coach of all time has coached on that sideline. Add to that JR Carrol shouting “1st and 10 Bulldogs” over the speakers, you’ve got a recipe for one of the greatest high school football atmospheres in the country.
Photo taken by MHS Athletics on Facebook
They don’t call it “BULLDOG COUNTRY” for nothin’.
Former Dogs Head Coach & Hall of Famer David Gentry said, “There’s no better high than the one you get on Friday nights in Murphy between the hours of 7:30 & 9:30. That feeling you get for those two hours, it’s unattainable anywhere else.”
3. Robbinsville High School
Robbinsville’s Big Oaks Stadium is a rethink-your-ranking kind of stadium. A truly historical field, it has hosted the home games of over 50 years of Black Knight football teams without ever being moved to a new location. The stadium is also directly adjacent to the original “old rock” schoolhouse of the 1900s.
The field is not the only piece of historical significance—the players themselves, often generational descendants of fellow state champions, give the Friday Night aesthetic of a Robbinsville Black Knights’ football game the aura of dominance. These boys know the magnitude of what they are playing for.
With 14 State Titles earned on its grass, the Big Oaks guarantees you a night of knock-down and drag-out, old-fashioned football, complete with rows of aged-oak trees, and a sunset view over its Smoky Mountain backdrop. Being the true embodiment of the AC/DC rock hit—Back In Black—the Big Oaks Stadium is THE must see stop of any stadium tour.
4. Union County High School
Photo from Chris Mathis
We look to Union County’s Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium a.k.a “The Mike.” There are many great high school football venues; not many, however, pack a 1-2 punch with a beautiful view and electric atmosphere like this one.
Photo from Chris Mathis
This venue offers a beautiful turf field and an even more astounding view of the crisp Blue Ridge Mountains. Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium is one that you’ll never forget, one that provides a bit of everything you could ever want on a Friday night underneath the lights!
5. Pickens County High School
Photo from North Cobb Electrical Services
#TeamFYNsports games of the week
Sports, Team FYN Sports September 2, 2020
Starting this year, #TeamFYNsports will be bringing you their top football games of the week for our local area football teams. This week, we have some rivalries on the horizon, with four local area teams going head to head.
Team FYN sports director Jake West and Fannin County Rec. Department Athletic Coordinator Tim Towe will also be giving you their picks to win these games of the week and we will be tracking their pick ’em record going forward.
- Fannin County Rebels @ Union County Panthers
If there was ever a year for Fannin County to be able to break their 6 year losing streak agains the Union County Panthers, it would be this year. Fannin is coming off an impressive 5-6 season last year, and with all the returning upper-classmen they have this year, this is the year that they have to make some moves. Even Coach Chad Cheatham said himself at media day, they are poised to make a run. Union County on the other hand is coming off of a 10-2 record last year, where it looked like they were going to go deep into the playoffs until losing a 7-14 game against Metter High School. Head Coach Brian Allison has turned Union County into a juggernaut over there in Blairsville, losing a combined four games in the past two years. However with the loss of their starting Quarterback Pierson Allison to graduation, we will if the newcomer behind center can handle the pressure of Friday Night Lights.
Jake’s Pick: Union County
Tim’s Pick: Fannin County
2. Gilmer County Bobcats @ Pickens Dragons
The Pickens Dragons finished 2019 with a 6-5 overall record and tied for third in their division. Their offense was crazy hot last year, putting up an average of 31.6 points. We will see if they have improved any on the defensive side of the ball however, where they managed to give up an average of 26.2 points per 
game in the previous season. When watching Pickens last year however, one of their more impressive games came against then region rival Gilmer, who they will be playing to kickoff this season. This season the anticipated Gilmer-Pickens game will not be a region game due to the realignment that took place in the offseason. Even though this is not going to be a region game this year, you can tell that it still means just as much to the players and coaches as it did when it counted against their region record. Gilmer is coming off of a 4-6 overall record last year in 2019. But, as rebuilds go it looks like Gilmer is on the backend of theirs and should start putting together some winning teams. Also, with Gilmer being bumped down a level, their opponents in their new region should play more to their level. I just think that the speed and power of the Pickens offense will be too much for the Bobcats to handle.
Jake’s Pick: Pickens County
Tim’s Pick: Gilmer County
Lumpkin County releases football game-day guidelines
Lumpkin Co. Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports August 28, 2020
Lumpkin County high school earlier today released their football game-day guidelines and procedures for 2020 in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
These guidelines come straight from the Lumpkin County High School athletics website and are as follows:
- All stadium personnel will undergo temperature checks prior to entering the stadium.
- All tickets will be sold at the gate for $7.00
- All spectators are expected to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to entering the stadium. Spectators with fevers or any symptoms are asked to stay at home.
- Social distancing is to be observed by all spectators. Families are to stay together while seated in the stadium.
- Wearing a mask is not mandatory, but is highly suggested.
- There will be no restrictions on stadium capacity.
- The visiting school may bring their marching band. Each band will have a section of the bleachers that will be marked and the bands must practice social distancing. Please refrain from entering the marked locations for the band.
- No spectators will be allowed on the field at any time unless invited (senior night or homecoming). Their will be no pick-up football games, tag games, etc. before, during or after the game.
- The concession stand will be open, but we must follow state guidelines for “restaurants, bars, and banquet and catering facilities/services.” All concession workers must wear a mask and gloves. Any individuals in line must practice social distancing.
- Media with credentials will be allowed on the sidelines will administrative approval.
This is the first local area school to release their guidelines for football game-day.
It should be expected that all other schools will follow some sort of form of this plan.
GHSA confirms September 4th football start date
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 25, 2020Following the weekly meeting with the Sports Medicine Advisory Council, Georgia High School Association Executive Director Robin Hines announced that the GHSA will be moving forward with the September fourth football start date for the opening of the 2020 season.
After the Sports Medicine Advisory Council meeting, director Hines spoke with the Athens Banner-Herald in regard to the number of COVID-19 cases across the state, but was confident that the season would return on the now delayed football start date of September fourth.
Hines told the Athens Banner-Herald, “While the numbers aren’t what we would prefer right now, they’re trending down, we feel good about that, and pending some spikes between now and then, my recommendation is going to be that we go ahead and play.”
The GHSA has previously reported that there will be around 70 Georgia football teams of 425 total that are unlikely to play the first week of the season because of coronavirus concerns dictated by their school district or private schools.
Included in the list of teams that will be sitting out for the week of September 4th are 19 DeKalb County teams, 16 Fulton County teams, 8 Savannah-Chatham teams, and 6 Bibb county teams. Several other teams across the state will also be sitting out until given the OK from their administrators and school board.
Tennessee will begin their High School football season tonight, and they have already released their guidelines for spectators and fines which can be found HERE. Viewing this should help give GHSA fans a little insight in what to expect come September fourth when Georgia returns to Friday night lights.
What fans can expect when High School football comes back
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 25, 2020
The Georgia High School Association has released “strongly recommended” game-day operation guidelines in order for the high school football season to proceed as normal when it opens for good on September Fourth. These game-day guidelines and recommendations are given to spectators and parents in order to ensure that the football season will be able to continue and so that these student athletes are able to play a whole season. The whole list of guidelines can be found HERE.
Game Day Venue Restrictions
- Local school administrators, in consultation with local health departments and health care professionals should determine what personnel (cheerleaders, band, mascots, dance team, etc.) should participate in events. It is strongly recommended to take into consideration the venue’s ability to safely allow for and enforce proper physical distancing.
- The media accommodations will be handled by host school personnel.
Spectators
- GHSA member schools should follow the guidance of local, state, and federal recommendations as it pertains to spectator events and stadium capacity restrictions if such information becomes available.
- It is highly recommended that spectators have their temperature assessed prior to entering the competition venue and should be denied entry if higher than 100.4 degrees.
- It is highly recommended that spectators always wear a facemask/covering possible. □ Spectators should be restricted from direct competition areas and from visiting with student athletes and personnel before, during and after events.
- Spectators should always practice social distancing whenever possible. Household members are excluded.
- Local school administrators, in consultation with local health departments, should determine whether “to-go” meals for their student-athletes in individualized, single packaged containers should be permitted.
Concessions
- If sales at concession stands are permitted, they must follow state guidelines for “Restaurants, Bars, and Banquet & Catering Facilities/Services” as outlined in the current Governor’s Executive Order
- If sales at concession stands are permitted, concession workers should wear masks and gloves in accordance with state mandates.
- Any worker should be screened before they are permitted to perform work duties in the concession.
- If sales at concession stands are permitted, individuals in line for concessions should practice physical distancing.
- If sales at concession stands are permitted, precautions for social distancing should always be adhered to.
Lumpkin Co. Returns to Football Practice
Lumpkin Co. Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports July 30, 2020
Lumpkin Co. high school’s football team may not be able to practice in pads until Saturday, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t working hard.
Lumpkin Co. Indians’ football practice.
The Indians returned to practiced on Monday, July 27th. In his second year as Lumpkin Co.’s head coach, Caleb Sorrells is excited for the opportunity that lies ahead for his young team.
“I’ll be very excited when we can put on pads and block and tackle and do what the game is all about. But right now it’s going well… it’s just such a learning curve because we missed so much time.”
The learning curve is to be expected for all teams, but, according to Coach Sorrells, “there’s about 35 freshmen and 35 sophomores, juniors, and seniors.”
It may take even longer for the team to get reacclimated to practicing at a high level, but Coach Sorrells understands that and is ready for the challenge. Heading into his second year leading the program, he is still in the process of building a winning culture at Lumpkin Co.
“We’re still learning how to practice. We’re in year two, but there’s a lot of things we didn’t do well last year that we’ve got to learn how to do this year. It’s a lot of learning how to be efficient, learning how to get the most out of every drill, learning how to compete. All of those are coaching clichés, but they’re clichés because they’re true.”
Lumpkin Co. practicing plays.
While there’s still over a month until the team will play it’s first game of the regular season, the team is already growing. The Lumpkin Co. Indians’ football program has a bright future and is in good hands with Coach Caleb Sorrells at the helm.
Over 600 players and coaches in Georgia test positive for COVID
Business July 31, 2020The GHSA has reported that over 600 players and coaches have tested positive for COVID since voluntary workouts began on June 8th.
The Georgia High School Association sent out and email on Tuesday, where they confirmed that they have had a reported 655 positive tests, including over 1,000 screen outs. Screen outs are when a player or coach is held out of practice due to a high temperature check or health questionnaire.
Several local area teams have stopped and started workouts since the June 8th restart, due to complications with the virus.
These numbers that he GHSA has released are not entirely accurate, as the GHSA does not require positive tests to be reported to the association, however it is encouraged so that the data can be compiled and used in the decision making process.
“The data is aggregate and for decision-making purposes,” GHSA associate director Don Corr said in Tuesdays email. “It is our belief that this data is incomplete and varies due to individual infectious disease plans formulated by each member school.”
6 GHSA teams have reported to the GHSA that they are shutting down their practice’s this week. There could be more since the GHSA also does not require practice activity to be reported either. The teams that are not practicing currently are Morgan County, Putnam County, Greene County, Social Circle and Lincoln County in east and central Georgia and Lakeside in DeKalb County.
Each school district has their own protocol in dealing with the positive coronavirus cases, as the GHSA has decided to give the power to the schools instead of setting a governing body of rules.
Six Lumpkin Co. seniors signed to play college sports
Lumpkin County High School, Team FYN Sports January 31, 2020
Tucker Kirk signed to play football for Sewanee.
A record six members of the 2020 graduating class at Lumpkin Co. High signed to play sports at the next level Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the school. The six athletes are the most to sign at one time in the school’s history.
In football, the Indians had two players commit to play in college.
Tucker Kirk committed to play for Sewanee, The University of the South. Kirk, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 200 points, played quarterback and free safety for the Indians. Last season, Kirk was 72-of-132 passing for 755 yards and three touchdowns, while carrying the ball 74 times for 84 yards.
Aaron Hopkins committed to play for Davidson College. Hopkins, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds, played tight end and defensive end for the Indians last season. He totaled three catches for 56 yards and had 31 total tackles and two sacks for the Indians during his senior campaign.
Nolan Wheeler signed to wrestle for Newberry College.
Nolan Wheeler committed to wrestle for Newberry College next year. Wheeler won the 2018 145-pound Class 3A state championship in 2018, and followed that by winning the 152-pound Class 3A state championship in 2019.
Hope Kenney signed on to play soccer for Truett-McConnell University next season. Kenney finished the 2019 season with 33 goals, eight assists, and 74 total points as a junior.
Brighton Harder signed to play softball for Emmanuel College.
Laken Ferrell signed to play tennis at Piedmont University in the fall. Ferrell was 12-4 as the No. 1 singles for the Indians as a junior during the 2019 season.
Brighton Harder committed to play softball for Emmanuel College next year. Harder helped lead the Lady Indians to a 20-14 overall record, while going 10-2 in Region 7-3A and making an appearance in the Class 3A state championship playoffs.
Lumpkin Co. football coach Caleb Sorrells summed up the day by speaking for all the coaches at the school.
“As proud as I am of what they did on the field, I’m more proud of what they will accomplish off the field,” Sorrells said.
Lumpkin Co. football Players of the Week recognized
Lumpkin Co. Football, Player of the Week, Team FYN Sports January 27, 2020
The nine players named TeamFYNSports Player of the Week during Lumpkin Co.’s 2019 football season were recognized Monday Jan. 27, at the high school. Each player received a commemorative shirt and a gift certificate for a free meal.
Ethan Kline was named the TeamFYNSports Player of the Week for his performance in Week 3.
Week 1, Aaron Hopkins, senior: Against East Jackson on Aug. 23, Hopkins had 10 total tackles (seven solo, three assists) and two sacks.
Week 2, Jason Chamblee, junior: Chamblee had a standout performance and effort against White Co. on Aug. 30.
Week 3, Ethan Kline, senior: Kline was recognized for his all-around strong effort against Jackson Co. on Sept. 6.
Week 4, BoJack Dowdy, senior: Dowdy carried the ball 22 times for 175 yards in Lumpkin Co.’s only win of the season against Gilmer on Sept. 13.
Brian Cunane was named the TeamFYNSports Player of the Week for his performance in Week 5.
Week 5, Brian Cunane, junior: Cunane was recognized for his five total tackles (two solo, three assists) against Dawson Co. on Sept. 27.
Week 6, Tucker Kirk, senior: Kirk went 7-for-9 for 101 yards and a touchdown passing, while carrying the ball 12 times for 38 yards against Cherokee Bluff on Oct. 11.
Week 7, Jackson Root, senior: Against Greater Atlanta Christian on Oct. 18, Root threw a 29-yard touchdown pass, caught an eight-yard pass, and assisted on a tackle.
Week 8, Noah Adams, senior: Adams had a solo tackle, a sack, and assisted on a tackle against North Hall on Oct. 25.
Week 9, Drew Allison, junior: Allison had 76 yards on 12 carries against Fannin Co. on Nov. 1.
Week 10, Tucker Kirk, senior: Kirk went 13-for-21 for 142 yards and a touchdown passing, while carrying the ball 13 times for 84 yards against East Hall on Nov. 8.
Editor’s note: TeamFYNSports would like to thank our sponsors for the 2019 Lumpkin Co. football season. Without their support, coverage of the Indians would not have been possible. A big thank you to Circuit World, Graphic Expressions, Day’s Chevrolet, Flash Media Group, Ingles, Pepsi, Walden & Co. Realty, Trammell Tire Pros, and Chic-Fil-A.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Drew Allison, No. 17
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports November 2, 2019
Drew Allison came off of an injury ready to play Friday night against Fannin County. He was responsible for the majority of the carries for the Indians, and picked up yards and first downs.
Drew has also played on both sides of the ball throughout the season. He started out on defense as a safety, but transitioned into a more of a running back role. This change proves he is willing to step up and go where needed.
Congratulations to Drew Allison, this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for Lumpkin County!
Lumpkin County Indians “continue to fight” in final game
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 9, 2019
Head coach Caleb Sorrells of the Lumpkin County Indians may have summarized the game against East Hall and the 2019 season as a whole with a few simple words during the post-game huddle. He said, “it’s okay to fight even when you don’t feel like it.”
Without a doubt, this season has been a tough one for the Indians. They started off with an entirely new coaching staff to adjust to, and a stacked region schedule. There were moments where it might have been tempting for the team to stop caring- but they never did.
Instead, even though the final score read 40-31 Friday night, the season ended with perhaps one of the best games Lumpkin County has played all season.
The Vikings started out with an early lead after a score during their first possession, but the Indians went to work putting drives together that paid off. Indians quarterback Tucker Kirk hit Trey Wilkes with one of many completed passes for a touchdown early in the second quarter. The two-point conversion was successful, and the Indians had the lead at 8-6.
Quarterback Tucker Kirk drops back for the Indians’ first TD of the game.
The speed and athleticism of East Hall proved to be a struggle for Lumpkin County as they worked to stop the running game and block the passing. Both teams were also hit with numerous penalties throughout the game that would cost them necessary yards.
East Hall scored again with about half of the second quarter remaining to regain the lead 14-8. A two-point conversion was successful, and these attempts would continue to be important to both teams throughout the night.
Lumpkin County answered with just over a minute remaining in the half. Tavion Lawrence returned a kick nearly to the endzone, and Kirk drove it in for a 9 yard carry to close in on the Vikings 20-15. East Hall scored once more before the half to maintain their lead 26-15.
The second half of the game got off to a slow start with each team holding the other to three and out. Lumpkin County made the first conversion when Drew Allison carried for a first down and Kirk carried for another.
By the start of the fourth quarter, the Vikings were up 40-15 after two more touchdown passes. But they wouldn’t score for the rest of the game, and the Indians offense was ready to take over.
Drew Allison with a carry for the Indians.
For their next possession the Indians put together a drive that started off with a 10 yard pass from Kirk to Allison for a first down. Kirk then gave a hand off to Trey Wilkes, who pitched it to Allison to convert on fourth down. It was all the distance Kirk needed to punch the ball in for a touchdown on the next play.
From that point on it was all Indians offense as the clock wound down. Kirk continued to complete passes to Allison, Wilkes and Caleb Norrell to gain yards. All of those passes moved Lumpkin County closer to the goal line, and it was BoJack Dowdy that ran in the final touchdown of the night for the Indians.
To finish things off, the Indians recovered an onside kick to stay on offense the remainder of the game.
Coach Sorrells gave his thoughts on the season by saying, “These kids right here continue to fight, they continue to show up, they continue to try and learn what it means to give best effort and best focus. I hope that [they learned] how to push through and how to try hard no matter what the conditions may be.”
Congratulations to the Lumpkin County Indians football team on their 2019 season!
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Tucker Kirk, No. 7
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports November 9, 2019
Congratulations to QB1 of the Lumpkin County Indians- Tucker Kirk! He is the Player of the Week for the last game of the 2019 season!
Tucker completed passes to gain yards all throughout the game against East Hall. Many of these passes were also for first downs. He proved his ability to run the ball as well with carries to gain yards.
Tucker was also responsible for several of the scores during the game with one passing touchdown and two rushing. After the scores he completed passes for two point conversions.
Congratulations again to Tucker!
Indians battle cold and Rebels; fall short 35-14
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 2, 2019
The Lumpkin County Indians football team faced a battle with several factors working against them on Friday night. First of all, the temperature dropped to a bitter cold. Second, the game was located a hour north in Blue Ridge. Finally, the opponent in Blue Ridge was the Fannin County Rebels football team, who had a playoff shot and several other records on the line.
But despite the uphill battle, the Indians ran onto the field Friday night with the same determined look they wear each Friday night. And although the scoreboard read 35-14 Fannin at the end, the Indians still had plenty of reasons to celebrate.
It took a bit for the Indians offense to warm up, but the momentum shifted when Drew Allison crossed the line for a first down. Tucker Kirk completed a pair of passes to Caleb Norrell and Ryan Burkhardt to inch closer to the goal line. Then came the trick play, the “Philly Special”, that has become common for the Indians. Except for this time, different people were responsible.
BoJack Dowdy (No. 35) hands off to Trey Wilkes (No. 15) for the “Philly Special” play.
The three players were BoJack Dowdy, Trey Wilkes and Tucker Kirk. Dowdy handed off to Wilkes, who passed to Kirk in the endzone. Before anyone really knew what happened, the Indians had shortened the Rebels’ lead 14-7.
As the Rebels regained possession and drove down the field, the Indians worked hard to make stops. Ethan Kline and Luke Mundy did just that, before a chop block call on the Indians led into another Rebel touchdown.
Lumpkin County came out of the half firing on all cylinders. Between Dowdy’s rushing and the Kirk to Norrell connection, the Indians were picking up first downs left and right. Unfortunately it ended with a fumble recovered by the Rebels.
Trey Wilkes (No. 15) receives a pass from Tucker Kirk for the second Lumpkin County touchdown.
The Indians struggled against a high-powered Rebel offense and defense, but continued to battle nonetheless. For one of their last possessions, Drew Allison carried and picked up yards for first downs. Kirk threw to Wilkes for a first down, then again for one more touchdown. The game ended shortly after, and the Indians had gotten the last word.
For their final game of the regular season, Lumpkin County will battle East Hall. The two teams have the same overall record of 1-8, and 0-5 in the region. East Hall is coming off of a loss to North Hall. Game time is 7:30 p.m. on November 8th.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Tucker Kirk, No. 7
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 12, 2019
Tucker Kirk is the starting quarterback for the Lumpkin County Indians, and he displayed his abilities in this role during the game against Cherokee Bluff.
Indians fans got to see more of the passing game they’d heard about- Kirk completed eight passes out of 11 attempts. One of those was an early 13 yard touchdown to Brian Cunane. Kirk also showed his rushing skills, keeping numerous times throughout the night for a total of 64 yards.
Undoubtedly Kirk is also a leader on the field, as he can be spotted communicating plays with coaches on the sidelines before doing the same for his teammates on the field.
Congratulations to Tucker Kirk, this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for Lumpkin County!