Indians Incredible Run Comes To An End vs Oconee County
Team FYN Sports November 13, 2022
The Lumpkin County Indian’s Incredible Season Comes to an End at the Hands of the Oconee County Warriors
By: Noah Johnson
The Lumpkin County Indians hosted the Oconee County Warriors at Cottrell field for round one of the playoffs. The Indians had met their toughest foe in Oconee County as they were steadily handled in the game. The Warriors came out of the gate on fire, scoring 5 touchdowns before the end of the first quarter to give themselves a commanding 35-0 lead. The Indian offense was punted three times on their first three possessions allowing the strong Oconee offensive unit continue to score. The Warriors continued to pour it on in the second quarter, scoring two more times before halftime to make the score 49-0. The Indians played much better in the second half, not allowing the Warriors to score any more in the contest. The Indians were able to breakthrough for their first score in the third quarter and twice more in the fourth to make the score 49-21 as the game began to come to an end. The score would stay there as the Warriors defeated the Indians 49-21 to advance to round two of the playoffs.
The Warriors began the game with the ball and started an offensive onslaught against the Indian’s defense. #15 Mac Ricks started the Warrior drive with a 60-yard run down to the Indian’s 12-yard line. Ricks’s big run would be capped off with a handoff to #3 CJ Jones who ran the ball in for a 12-yard touchdown one minute into the game. The Indian’s offense got the ball but was stifled by a tough Warrior defense. The Indian offense would be backed up to their own 13-yard line after a holding call against them. #40 Judah Birch got to Indian quarterback #18 Cooper Scott in the backfield forcing an Indian punt from their own 1-yard line. The Warriors got the ball at the Indian 34-yard line looking to get another quick score and did just that. Jones ran the ball on two plays to get into the endzone for his second rushing touchdown to put the Warriors up 14-0 after the extra point. The Indian’s next drive on offense would result in a 3-and-out punting back to the Warrior’s 35-yard line. The Warrior offense marched down the field on the next drive setting up another Jones run for a 21-yard touchdown making the score 21-0 with 4 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Indian offense got the ball back looking at three score deficit. The Warrior defense led by #88 Zane Fairbanks would get to Scott in the backfield for a sack setting up another 3rd and long for the Indians. The Indians would get help as they got the Warrior defense to jump offsides setting up 3rd and 15. Scott would scramble and throw the ball to #5 Carter Disanto for an 11-yard pickup but would be tackled short of the first down marker forcing another Indians punt. The punt would fall at midfield and the Warrior offense immediately got within the Indian’s 5-yard line. Jones found a hole and scored on a 2-yard rushing touchdown giving the Warriors a commanding 28-0 lead in the first quarter. The Indian’s next possession would not last long as #21 Cameron Thurmond intercepted Scott’s pass and ran it back to the Indian 11-yard line. Jones would need just two plays to run the ball in for a score, marking his 5th rushing touchdown in the first quarter of the game. The Indians would get the ball back and were looking for anything positive as the first quarter began to wind down. The Indians would get to just before midfield after a 15-yard pass from Scott to #1 Cal Faulker to give the Indians their first first down in the game as the quarter came to a close.
The Indians were making progress down the field but found themselves on 4th and 6 at midfield. Faulkner would find #31 Tavion Lawerence on a screen pass, but would not be able to get past the first down marker turning the ball over on downs. The Warrior offense got the ball back looking to add to their 35-point lead. The Indian defense stepped up on the next series led by Faulkner and player of the week #23 Preston Cox. Faulkner nearly intercepted a pass forcing a 3rd and long for the Warriors. Cox got the quarterback for a sack to force a 4th and long for the Warriors. The Warriors elected to punt for the first time in the game giving the Indians some momentum to build off of. The Indians would have no luck as they went 3 and out and punted the ball back to the Warriors. The Warriors went back to work on the next drive scoring on a receiving touchdown by #12 Mac Little to put them up 42-0 halfway through the second quarter. The quarter would continue with the Indians unable to produce on offense giving the ball to a ruthless Warrior offense. The Warriors continued to run the ball down the field controlling the tempo of the game. The rushing unit for the Warriors would find the endzone again putting them up 49-0 on the Indians with 3 minutes remaining in the half. The Indians would have more one shot on offense in the half but were met with another Warrior interception by #26 Harrison Kilzi. The Warriors kept the ball on the ground on their next possession, taking their time as the clock ran out. The Warriors and Indians went to their respective locker rooms with the score at 49-0 Warriors.
The Indians began the second half with the ball and were making progress toward their first potential score as they made their way into Warrior territory. The Indians could not score but put the Warrior offense in a difficult field position on the next series. The Indian defense stepped up on the Warrior’s first possession of the half forcing them into a 4th and long after a quarterback sack by Cox. The Warriors would go for it on 4th and long but would be met with another sack by #55 Connor Greilich forcing a turnover on downs. The Indians began pushing down the field after the Warrior turnover getting into the red zone for the first time in the game. #32 Mason Sullens would bring relief to a struggling Indian team on a 5-yard rushing touchdown to give their first points of the game. The Warrior offense received the ball at their own 30-yard line on the next drive with 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter. In the final seconds of the quarter #2, Harper Davenport intercepted the ball and ran it back to the Warrior’s 20-yard line setting up an Indian possession at the beginning of the 4th quarter.
The Indians began the final quarter threatening to score within the Warrior’s 20-yard line. Sullens ran for 13-yards setting up a rushing touchdown by #28 Gerald Walker to make the score 49-14. The Warriors began draining the clock on the next drive, keeping the ball on the ground and taking their time in between plays. The Warriors would eventually be stopped at midfield as they turned the ball over on downs. The Indians got the ball back at midfield and were looking for another scoring drive with 6 minutes remaining in the game. The Indians would get to the endzone on a 16-yard passing touchdown from Scott to Disanto to give them another touchdown in the quarter making the score 49-21 with less than two minutes in the game. The Warriors would run a couple of plays on the next drive before kneeling the ball to let the game clock run out. The Warriors beat the Indians by a final score of 49-21.
The Oconee County Warriors will move on in the playoffs with their victory against Lumpkin County. The Warriors will go on to face the Adairsville Tigers in the second round of the playoffs on November 18th. While it is not the ending that Lumpkin County hoped for, it was still an amazing season for the team and the community in Dahlonega. The Indians finish their season with a record of 8-3 and 4-2 in their region earning second place in the 7AAA region. First-year head coach Heath Webb had an amazing start to his career in Lumpkin leading the Indians to their first playoff birth since 2014 and tying their all-time single-season win record. Congratulations to the Lumpkin County Indians on their historic season in 2022.
Lumpkin Co. falls to Banks Co. 37-0 at home
Lumpkin Co. Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports September 25, 2020
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 3rd. 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.
Lumpkin Co. falls to Franklin Co. in season opener
Lumpkin Co. Football, Sports, Team FYN Sports September 4, 2020
The Lumpkin Co. Indians lost to the Franklin Co. Tigers 33-3 in their 2020 season debut. Despite a slow start to the game, the Indians fought hard in the second half. They held the Tigers scoreless in the second half and possessed the ball the majority of the half. If Lumpkin Co. can play like they did in the second half of the game consistently, they could be a team to watch this season.
#1 Jay Grizzle recovered a fumble for the Indians.
Franklin Co. received the ball to start the game. On the first drive, #1 Jay Grizzle recovered a fumble for the Indians to give them early momentum. However, they couldn’t build on their momentum, as they went three and out on the ensuing drive. For the rest of the first half, it was all Tigers. Franklin Co. led 10-0 at the end of the first quarter, but took control in the second quarter to take a 33-0 halftime lead.
#18 Cooper Scott throwing a pass for the Indians.
The score may not show it, but Lumpkin Co. dominated the second half. They had possession of the ball the entire third quarter. They were stopped on 4th down from the 9-yard line, but they moved the ball a lot better than they did in the first half. On the next possession, the defense looked much better, as they forced a quick three and out. The Indians had another long drive that resulted in a 35-yard field goal from freshman kicker Marcus Remillard with 1:55 remaining in the game. The Tigers ran out the clock from there, but Lumpkin Co. has plenty of reason for optimism as they continue their season.
The Indians play again next Friday as they host Banks Co. at 7:30 p.m. at Cottrell Field.
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.
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!
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!
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Noah Adams, No. 34
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2019
Noah Adams stepped up for his Lumpkin County team in a tough game against North Hall.
Noah made at least three solo tackles throughout the night. One of those tackles was a sack for a loss of five yards against the Trojans. Another was to prevent any gain of yards. He also blocked an extra point attempt, which prevented North Hall from breaking the 60-point mark.
Congratulations to Noah Adams, this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Lumpkin County Indians!
Indians football continues region play with loss to Cherokee Bluff
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 12, 2019
Despite hard effort and an early touchdown, the Lumpkin County Indians football team was unable to get past region opponent Cherokee Bluff and lost 45-14.
The Indians defense kicked in early on, holding Cherokee Bluff to a field goal during their first drive. A turnover during the Indians first possession lead into a touchdown for the Bears, but Lumpkin County wasn’t backing down.
A combination of completed passes from quarterback Tucker Kirk and scampers from running back BoJack Dowdy led the Indians next drive. It was capped off by an 18 yard touchdown pass from Kirk to Brian Cunane, and the Indians closed the gap on the Bears 10-7.
Brian Cunane catches Tucker Kirk’s pass for the first Lumpkin County touchdown!
Kirk finished the night off with an increased passing game- eight completions for 11 attempts. One of those was the first touchdown pass to Cunane, and several others accounted for first downs. Kirk also showed his skills off on the ground with a total of 64 yards rushing.
Dowdy accounted for 87 of the Indians’ rushing yards over 18 carries.
Cherokee Bluff was able to answer Lumpkin County’s touchdown with one of their own and extend their lead 17-7 going into the second quarter. The Bears running game was led by sophomore running back Jayquan Smith, who racked up yards and touchdowns.
Lumpkin County’s defense struggled to keep up with Smith, but had their fair share of stops. Tanner Barber and Ethan Kline led the way with three solo tackles. Tate Reinhardt, Ryan Burkhart and Aaron Hopkins added to the total with two each.
The two teams went into the half with Cherokee Bluff ahead 31-7. The Bears would score twice more in the second half- but the Indians would have the last word for their homecoming.
Several Lumpkin County defenders pile on a Cherokee Bluff carrier.
The Indians spent their last possession driving down the field and winding down the clock. Kirk completed a 13 yard pass to Burkhart for a first down. Dowdy scampered down the field into Bears territory, and with a mere three minutes left punched it in for an eight yard touchdown. Final score Cherokee Bluff 45, Lumpkin County 14.
As is a new tradition for Lumpkin County this year, the football team took a moment after the game to thank the band and cheerleaders for their support. Undoubtedly the same support will follow the football team as they travel to Greater Atlanta Christian next Friday night.
Lumpkin County football proves determined against North Hall
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2019
The scoreboard said North Hall 59 Lumpkin County 0 at the end of the game. What it didn’t reflect was the gritty determination on the face of each player for Lumpkin County as they ran from the sideline back onto the field.
This determination was apparent at the very beginning of the game. Running back BoJack Dowdy carried for a third down conversion, and the Indians defense held North Hall to a field goal for their first possession.
Jared Hoch (#14) and Cameron Stringer (#25) bring down a North Hall carrier.
From there the Lumpkin County defense had their work cut out for them to stop the Trojans’ running game. They were assisted by numerous penalties on the North Hall offense throughout the game, but still struggled to get make a play on their Gainesville-based opponents. Part of this struggle was due to the loss of key starters because of injuries, including starting tight end/defensive end Aaron Hopkins.
Although the Trojans were able to put together drives to gain yards, there were plenty of Indian stops. Indian Noah Adams got a sack for a loss of five yards just before the half. Adams, Ethan Kline and Andrew Adams tied for the most solo tackles during the game with three each.
Lumpkin County also had some great moments on offense to prove they weren’t completely out of the game. Along with the usual carries for gain by Dowdy and Trey Wilkes, some younger players stepped up to fill in for injured starters. One of those players was Caleb Norrell, who played in the wide receiver role for most of the night.
Caleb Norrell gets ready for a play.
Norrell was on the receiving end for the play that gained the Indians the most yards of the night- an incredible 30 yard pass from quarterback Tucker Kirk. Immediately after, the Lumpkin County switched it up a bit with a handoff from Kirk to Dowdy, who then completed a pass for nine yards to Kline.
The Indians will be looking for some plays to gain yards when they head to Blue Ridge next week to face the Fannin County Rebels. Defense will play an important factor as well against a Rebel offense that can pass, run and block. Fannin County lost to region 7 opponent Dawson County on Friday night, and fell to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the region.
After tonight’s loss, Lumpkin County fell to 1-7 overall, and 0-4 in the region.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. next Friday, November 1.
Tough loss for Indians in road game against Jackson
Sports, Team FYN Sports September 7, 2019
The Lumpkin County Indians football team fell in a tough loss to the Jackson County Panthers on Friday night. But there was one bright spot. In a game that was hosted at Jackson County, a hour away from the Indians home in Dahlonega, the stands were filled with loyal Indians fans. No matter what, the Lumpkin County football team will always have family and friends there to support them.
The Lumpkin County offense lining up for a play.
Lumpkin County started the game on a high note- a fumble by the Panthers recovered by the Indians. A combination of carries by Drew Allison and BoJack Dowdy, along with a completed pass from Tucker Kirk to Brian Cunane, almost got the Indians into Panther territory until a fumble was recovered by the Panthers. Jackson County was set up in scoring position in Indian territory, which they took advantage of for their first touchdown of the night. The extra point attempt was no good, but during the Indians next drive a snap was recovered in the endzone to score a safety for the Panthers. With 4:37 left in the first, the Panthers held a lead of 8-0.
Jackson County scored again during their next drive to extend their lead 14-0. The Indians were able to gain some yardage on their next drive, but another bad snap forced them to punt on fourth down.
The Indians defense was able to hold the Panthers offense for the remainder of the first quarter, but the Panthers scored again to open the second quarter. Jackson County scored again on their next drive, but a penalty for an ineligible receiver down field negated their touchdown. The Indians Roy Bennett helped to further prevent a Panther touchdown for his coverage of the receiver on third down.
Jackson County scored once more to finish the half with a 28-0 lead.
The Lumpkin County defense with a stop.
Coming out of the half, the Indians were ready to play harder. They were forced to punt after their next drive, but the ball was fumbled by the Panthers receiver and recovered by Jared Hoch for an Indians first down. Unfortunately the Indians offense was unable to move the ball very far before an interception by the Panthers.
The Lumpkin County defense played a great game in the second half; they held the Panthers to a field goal in their drive after the interception. Furthermore the Panthers were unable to score for the remainder of the game up against the Indians defense.
At the final buzzer, the Panthers were ahead 31-0. After a tough series on the road, the Indians will have the home field advantage during next week’s game against Gilmer County.
Lumpkin County Indians football defeats Towns County in scrimmage 41-7
Business, Sports, Team FYN Sports August 17, 2019
The Lumpkin County Indians football team may not have played a perfect game on Friday night, but they still defeated Towns County 41-7 in their scrimmage at home.
Lumpkin started off strong when they recovered a Towns County fumble to take over on their 32 yard line. With great field position it didn’t take long for Lumpkin County to get in the end zone. Unfortunately a touchdown by Lumpkin County’s Drew Allison was overturned after a penalty call on Lumpkin, and a field goal attempt was no good.
During their next possession Lumpkin County’s BoJack Dowdy carried for a first down, and a 22 yard pass from quarterback Tucker Kirk to Trey Wilkes gained the Indians their first touchdown of the night. Shortly after Allison carried the ball another 22 yards for Lumpkin and drove in their second touchdown of the night.
Towns County fumbled again on their 25 yard line, setting Lumpkin County up for yet another touchdown. Roy Bennett rushed for twenty yards and gained Lumpkin a first down. Another completed pass from Kirk to Brian Cunane landed the Indians their third touchdown and a lead of 21-0.
Brian Cunane catches a pass from Tucker Kirk for a Lumpkin Indians touchdown!
The Lumpkin Indians scored their fourth touchdown of the night after Bennett carried 44 yards to gain the Indians a big first down. On the next play, Tanner Barber ran the ball in from the one yard line for Lumpkin County’s fourth touchdown of the night.
Towns County managed to get a first down during their next possession, but were pushed back by the Lumpkin County defense and an off-side penalty. Lumpkin County finished up the half with a big gain of twenty yards and another touchdown- this time from a two yard carry from Dowdy.
Coming out of the half, Lumpkin County was unable to get anything in the end zone during their first possession. Towns County scored their first and only touchdown of the night after a 23 yard pass from Kyle Oakes to Garrett Oakes.
Lumpkin County had a short celebration after an interception in the third quarter. Unfortunately a fumble gave possession right back to Towns County, which then gained two more first downs before fumbling again on their own 48 yard line.
Towns County lined up for a play on Friday night.
Freshman Caden Gibson carried the ball twenty yards during Lumpkin’s next possession for their last touchdown of the night. Lumpkin kept Towns pushed back during their last possession of the night, and when buzzer sounded Lumpkin finished the game ahead 41-7.
The Lumpkin County Indians will take on East Jackson at home next week. Watch the post-game interview with head coach Caleb Sorrells below!
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Aaron Hopkins #85
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 24, 2019
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce the first Player of the Week for the Lumpkin County Indians- tight end/defensive end Aaron Hopkins! Hopkins is an exceptional athlete who stood out on the field Friday night in the Lumpkin season opener against East Jackson.
Hopkins sacked the East Jackson quarterback twice during their first possession for a total loss of 19 yards. This loss of yardage forced East Jackson to punt on fourth down. After one of Hopkins’s teammates blocked the punt, Hopkins recovered the ball in the endzone for Lumpkin County’s first touchdown of the night. Hopkins also made several other great tackles throughout the game to help push the Eagles back.
Hopkins is an example of an athlete who is passionate about his sport. Over the summer he attended multiple football camps at colleges across the country including University of Pennsylvania, Yale and Harvard. As a senior also focused on graduation, he has received five scholarship offers. He is a scholar athlete with a GPA of 3.9. Congratulations to Aaron for being selected as the first Team FYN Sports Player of the Week for the Lumpkin County Indians!
Lumpkin Indians fall short to East Jackson Eagles in season opener
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 24, 2019
The Lumpkin County Indians played hard in their regular season opener, but were unable to pull past East Jackson and ultimately lost 25-22.
Lumpkin Indians tight end Aaron Hopkins sacked East Jackson quarterback Greg Huggs twice during their first possession for a total loss of 19 yards.
The Indians started out strong with a first down on their very first possession after Drew Allison carried seventeen yards. During the Eagles first possession, Indians tight end Aaron Hopkins sacked quarterback Greg Huggs twice for a total loss of 19 yards. The Eagles were forced to punt from their own 18 yard line, but the punt was blocked by the Indians J.T. Thomas and recovered by Hopkins in the endzone for the Indians first touchdown. Lumpkin County quarterback Tucker Kirk carried the ball in for a two point conversion, and the Indians were ahead 8-0.
The Eagles fumbled during their next possession, which the Indians Tanner Barber recovered for first and goal on the Eagles 8 yard line. Running back BoJack Dowdy carried the ball in for the Indians next touchdown. The kick by Will Ramirez was good, and Lumpkin County was ahead 15-0.
The Eagles got their first touchdown of the night after a completed pass from Huggs to Caleb Adair. Immediately after during the kick return, the Indians responded with an incredible 89 yard touchdown run by Tate Reinhardt to make the score 22-6. The Eagles next touchdown came from Ty Brown with a 44 yard run to shorten the gap 22-12 going into the half.
Indians running back BoJack Dowdy celebrates with his teammates after his touchdown early on.
The Eagles scored again in the third quarter with a 26 yard pass completion for a touchdown by Huggs to Shawn Cunningham to make the score 22-18. The Indians struggled to put points on the board for the rest of the game, but were unable to do so. The rest of their plays were mainly short distance carries by Allison.
East Jackson scored with a 2 yard touchdown carry in the end of the third quarter. Neither team scored for the rest of the game, and the final score was 25-22 East Jackson Eagles.
The Lumpkin County Indians will travel to White County next Friday to face the Warriors.
Lumpkin County “defined by effort” in game against Spartans
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 19, 2019
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.
Joseph Allison with a stop for the Indians.
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.
The Lumpkin County offense prepares for a play.
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.