Habersham had to wait nearly eight minutes into the game the get their first crack at the offensive game, but Michael Babers made sure it was worth the wait, scoring three times in a 28-9 win.
The senior running back ripped off a 40-yard run on the first play from scrimmage for Habersham after the defense held Banks County to just a 26-yard field goal on the opening drive, which lasted nearly eight minutes.
Babers then scored from four yards out before the quarter ended, giving the Raiders a 7-3 they wouldn’t relinquish. Babers piled on well over 100 yards in the scrimmage at Banks County Friday night.
Babers time and time again avoided tackles, outran the opposition, bulldozed would-be tacklers and cut in and out of traffic for a solid game. Babers added another short touchdown run in the second to widen the gap to 14-3. He tallied one more score in the third, while the starters departed in the third quarter to give way to the younger players.
The defense for Habersham Central was spot-on, forcing a chip-shot field goal on the opening drive despite the Leopards having first-and-goal twice (with some help from Habersham penalties). The Raider defense kept Leopards QB Griffin Goodwin uncomfortable most of the night, forcing an interception by junior Carson Moore, and a timely sack by Austin Frady.
Junior Clayton Dykhouse proved to be a viable weapon for Banks County despite the game’s outcome. BLITZ has the game highlights above.
