They did it again! Habersham Central remains unbeaten through its first three games for the first time in over 25 years with a 21-14 nail-biter win over Franklin County.
The Raiders took an early lead and led 13-0 before Franklin scored late in the first half to bridge the gap. The visiting Lions added another score early in the third quarter to go up 14-13, but Habersham Central responded with a Jakes Jones touchdown catch from Cole Wilbanks with 2:25 to go in the quarter.
Franklin County had a chance to tie late in the fourth quarter but the Raider defense held strong, giving the Raiders its third straight win to open the season.
Wilbanks led the Habersham offense, using his arm and legs to have a part in all three touchdowns. The Raiders were without star Michael Babers, who left the game with a sprained ankle and was out for the duration of the contest. Without Babers in the backfield, Habersham netted only 86 rushing yards.
The defense allowed 491 yards of offense to the Lions, but twice turned them away inside the red zone, and held them to 1-for-4 on fourth down conversions. The Habersham defense forced three fumbles, recovering two.
The Raiders used the early 11-yard touchdown run by Wilbanks to go up 7-0, and with 5:20 left in the half they scored another on a 44-yard touchdown pass from Wilbanks to Aaron Wood. Wilbanks and the Raiders attempted a two-point conversion pass, but it failed, leaving Habersham up 13-0.
The Lions finally broke through less than 40 seconds later when Tyrique David ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run to narrow the gap, 13-7. Early in the third, Myrian Craft scored on a nine-yard run to put Franklin up 14-13.
The comeback kids of Habersham responded late in the third when Wilbanks found Jake Jones for a 17-yard score. Wilbanks then connected with Wood for the two-point conversion to give Habersham the 21-14 lead they would not relinquish.
Wilbanks was 15-for-24 passing, collecting 207 yards and two touchdowns, as well as a rushing score. Aaron Galloway added 59 rushing yards. Wood led the receiving corps with 91 yards and a touchdown. Jones finished with 53 yards receiving and a touchdown.
The defense was anchored by Dawson Landers, who finished with a dozen tackles, while Carson Taylor and Michael Oren added 11 and 10 tackles, respectively.
The Raiders recorded around 200 less yards on offense than Franklin, but used timely defensive stands and takeaways to secure the win. The bulk of Franklin’s yardage came on the ground, with only 65 coming in the passing game.
LOCAL SCORES
#6 Rabun Co 49, White Co 7
Habersham Central 21, Franklin Co 14
Madison Co 27, Lumpkin Co 7
Union Co 45, Andrews, NC 20
#3 Commerce 42, Lakeview 7
#4 Prince Ave 47, Towns Co 13
Stephens Co 41, Flowery Branch 7
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East Hall 47, Johnson 21
Chestatee 47, Fannin 30
West Hall 41, Jackson Co 0
North Hall 16, Pickens 8
(PHOTO/VIDEO: Daniel Purcell)
