Announcement
reprinted from The Athens Banner-Herald October 4, 2008 edition
HABERSHAM CENTRAL 28, MADISON COUNTY 7
By ROGER CLARKSON |roger.clarkson@onlineathens.com|
DANIELSVILLE - The last thing a team struggling with confidence needs is to turn the ball over on its first possession.
Madison County did exactly that as Habersham Central beat Madison County 28-7 on Friday at Red Raider Field.
Madison County (2-4) dropped its third straight game, all in Region 8-AAAA. Habersham Central (3-3) has now won two straight.
Madison County fumbled on its third play from scrimmage to set up Habersham Central's first touchdown. Madison County had three turnovers in the game as Habersham Central scored a touchdown in every quarter."We wanted to play conservatively and not put ourselves in any trouble early," Madison County coach Randell Owens said. "But we fumbled and we obviously didn't do that."
Madison County also could not capitalize on Habersham Central's lack of discipline. Habersham Central picked up 17 penalties for 154 yards, including three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the sideline.
"I'm embarrassed about the penalties, definitely," Habersham Central coach Gene Cathcart said. "It's a bad reflection on me, the head coach. We can't be doing that. When the Miami Dolphins were winning Super Bowls they were the least-penalized team in the NFL. You can't be letting yourself go like that."
Habersham Central's Colton Webber recovered a fumble at the Madison County 31-yard line to set up the first score of the game. Habersham Central converted a third-and-goal from the 8-yard line when Austin Brown hit Ty Fry for a touchdown to give Habersham Central a 7-0 lead with 5:37 left in the first quarter. A 76-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Zach Mayfield gave Habersham Central a 14-0 lead with 7:39 left in the second quarter.
"We're a young team and that was big to be able to get a break like that," Cathcart said. "We were able to get some confidence under us and it set the tone for the rest of the game."
Habersham Central outgained Madison County 356-169. Sophomore running back Dee Griffin gained 90 yards on 13 carries and had two touchdowns. Brown completed 7 of 14 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Mayfield caught three passes for 97 yards.
Madison County completed 13 of 29 passes for 119 yards with two interceptions. Madison County also ran 20 times for 45 yards.
Madison County's only score came in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard run by Stacy Mack to bring Madison County within 21-7 with 10:14 left.
Habersham Central responded by marching to a 1-yard touchdown plunge by for the final margin of victory.
Madison County struggled on offense in the first half. Madison County managed 26 rushing yards and 33 passing yards to go with three first downs and two turnovers to trail by two touchdowns.
Habersham Central drove to a 6-yard touchdown run by Griffin on its first possession of the second half to lead 21-0.
Madison County scored early in the fourth after a five-play, 43-yard drive. A 22-yard pass from Jacob Owens to Aldreakis Allen sparked the drive. Stacy Mack carried the final 10 yards to bring Madison County within 21-7 with 10:14 left.
GAME REPORT
• Turning Point: Habersham Central's Colton Webber recovered a fumble on Madison County's third snap of the game to set up the first score.
• Key Stat: Habersham Central offset 17 penalties for 154 yards by outgaining Madison County 356-169.
• Impact: Madison County has lost three straight Region 8-AAAA games.
Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Saturday, October 04, 2008
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