It was a solid showing for Habersham Central in a gritty scrimmage with visiting Oconee County on Friday night at John Larry Black Field. The Raiders were within 21-17 after a pick-six by Landyn Savage midway through the third. They wound up winning 31-28 when it was all said and done.
The Warriors missed a field goal on the opening drive of the game, where the Raiders defense used a ‘bend don’t break’ strategy. Caiden Wood reeled off a monster run on the first touch, and Titus Watkins connected with James Holland, but the net result for the drive was zero.
The Raiders responded with a solid drive, beginning with a DJ Pass long distance connection with Zeke Whittington. Donovan Warren had a big run, and Camden Meads knocked home a 40-yard field goal with plenty left to spare to push Hab Central up 3-0.
Oconee County retaliated with a short TD run by Darius Darden. He struck again in the first drive of the second quarter, ripping off a 57-yard TD run for the 14-3 lead. The Raiders had a long drive in response, resulting in a short TD run for Antonio Cantrell. Pass and Whittington connected three times on the drive.
Not to be outdone, Watkins found a receiver open for a 25-yard score to increase the lead back up to 11 with a 21-10 advantage. Pass was intercepted in the end zone at the end of the first half, but Savage made a house call on Oconee’s first drive of the second half.
The defense again bowed up, and Paris Wilbanks had a short-yardage TD run for the go-ahead lead at 24-21. The JV came in afterwards and surrendered the lead, though Wilbanks had another TD on the ground for the finishing touches.
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