Warriors Win a Thriller Against Their Biggest Rival

Sports, Team FYN Sports

In another chapter in this storied rivalry, White County defeats the North Hall Trojans 34-31.

Nix Burkett

After White County’s win last week, it would be easy to think that their win over Pickens County would be their most entertaining victory this season. One week later, and now there’s another win in that argument.

Cory Ezzard

In the first half of the game, both teams were evenly matched. White County scored first midway through the 1st quarter, with junior QB J. Ben Haynes scoring a 1 YD rushing touchdown. On the next drive, North Hall replied with their own goal line TD. Early in the 2nd quarter, Haynes once again scored a short rushing TD. Meanwhile, North Hall began to struggle for a couple of drives. White County for a short moment in time was able to stop the Trojan rushing attack. Players like Nix Burkett and Cory Ezzard were key in stopping the run all throughout the game.

North Hall would fumble a punt return, giving White County the ball in the redzone, and Andrew Pierce would kick a field goal to extend the lead. Afterwards, North Hall quickly gained momentum. Their RB J.T. Fair scored a 64-rushing TD immediately after the White County field goal. Warrior return man Silas Mulligan would fumble the kick return, giving North Hall the ball back. They would kick a field goal late in the 2nd quarter, and the game would go to half time tied at 17.

Early in the 2nd Half, the Warriors began to fall apart.

After another field goal from Pierce, North Hall took control. They would score a TD midway through the 3rd quarter to take the lead for the first time all night. Afterwards, it seemed as if the wheels were coming off for the Warriors. Receivers struggled to catch the ball, Haynes was under consistent pressure, and nobody on the White County Defense could make a stop. After North Hall blocked a punt, they brought the ball to the 2 YD line before fumbling the ball to White County. However, Haynes would throw an INT that would give the Trojans the ball right back, and they would score early in the 4th quarter to gain a 31-20 lead.

Just when it seemed the Warriors were done, they fired back.

Cooper Turner after his receiving TD

On the next offensive drive, the Warriors drove downfield with ease. Haynes would connect with Cooper Turner for a 45 yard passing TD. The score was 27-31, but could the Warriors stop the Trojan rushing attack?

J. Ben Haynes after scoring the final TD of the game.

Yes, yes they could. In the most important defensive stand of the game, the Warriors prevented a first down, and regained possession of the ball with less than 8 minutes remaining. Haynes would lead the team down field. All night long, the Warrior offense was in the palm in his hands. Whether he was throwing or rushing, he was near unstoppable. On this drive, he led the team 70 yards downfield, before finally scoring on a 7 yard rushing TD, giving the Warriors the lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Pierce kicked an onside kick. Zion McMullen would recover, and the crowd would erupt with a joy. The Warriors had defeated their biggest rival, and came from behind to do it.

Next up: Region Play.

The Warriors may be 3-1, but now the real season starts. Whether or not they make the playoffs will depend on their record against the teams in their region (AAAA Region 7.) Next week, they travel on the road to play against one of the greatest teams in the entire state of Georgia, the Marist War Eagles. The Warriors have yet to defeat Marist since they became members of the same region, and it will be another tough game for them next week.

Can the Warriors achieve the upset? To stay up to date with White County Football, follow Team FYN Sports on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Zion McMullen after his onside kick recovery

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