Madison County Red Raiders

Madison County 20, Franklin County 18 Reprinted from The Athens Banner-Herald By Jon Page|jon.page@onlineathens.com|Story updated at 2:56 AM on Saturday, September 2, 2006
CARNESVILLE - Madison County quarterback Jarrod Owens threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns to lead the Red Raiders to a 20-18 come-from-behind victory over Franklin County on Friday. Senior Marcus Grant's 21-yard catch with 6:06 remaining was the game-winning score. The Lions (0-1) nearly stole the victory, but Kelly Corbitt's 29-yard field goal attempt with 22 seconds to play was wide left. Corbitt successfully converted on field goal attempts of 34 yards and 36 yards earlier in the game. "We had some opportunities to put them away, and we didn't take advantage of them," Franklin County coach Danny Durham said. "Usually (Kelly's) pretty accurate. He's a great kicker. He's hurt right now, but he'll be all right." Madison County (1-0) failed to move the ball past midfield in the second and third quarters, and things looked bleak early in the fourth quarter when Ryan King caused Owens to fumble inside his own 20. Drew McAdams recovered for Franklin County, and Corbitt's second field goal was good with 10:50 to play. "We didn't have our heads in the game, and we weren't focused," Grant said. "We weren't cooperating with each other. We had to step it up." On the ensuing kickoff, Jarvis Long's return gave the Red Raiders a fresh set of downs at their own 47. Owens completed two long passes to Jesse Bolemon and Grant to keep Madison County moving. Two plays later on second-and-goal from the 9, Owens tossed a short pass to Aldreakos Allen, who dashed into the end zone for the score. "As many mistakes as we made through the night, we had a few guys step up and show leadership when things seemed to be coming unraveled and we were hanging on by our fingertips," Madison County coach Randell Owens said. "The thing we just kept harking on with our guys over and over is that in the course of the game the lead may change hands. But if we fall behind, we don't give up. "And we just stayed on that theme to get guys to understand that it's not over unless you quit. Madison County scored on its first drive of the game when Bolemon hauled in a 33-yard pass from Owens. The Lions took the lead late in the second quarter on a 3-yard run by sophomore Jay Moon. Moon left the field on a stretcher in the third quarter after getting tackled for a loss but returned in the fourth quarter. Durham said Moon had a bruised leg. Franklin County quarterback Kyle Harris led all players in rushing with 17 carries for 93 yards. Game report • TURNING POINT: Senior Jarvis Long's kickoff return to Madison County's 47 set up a six-play, 53-yard scoring drive and led to the Red Raiders' comeback. • KEY STAT: Jarrod Owens was 7 of 9 during the Raiders' two scoring drives in the fourth quarter. • IMPACT: Madison County's younger players gained experience by coming from behind and will travel to Elbert County next week. Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 090206