Warriors Struggle in Scrimmage Loss to Stephens County
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 15, 2019
Football is back in White County! Unfortunately, the season did not start off on the right track.
The Warriors were unsuccessful in their scrimmage against the Stephens County Indians, losing 25-48. Early on, things looked bright for the Warriors, as senior DB Nix Burkett had an interception on their first defensive possession. Immediately afterwards, QB J. Ben Haynes found Jesse Thomas in the end zone for an early touchdown. However, this would be the only time all game that the Warriors held the lead.
The Indians scored two touchdowns to take a 13-6 lead to end the first quarter. The Warriors suffered a major blow in the first quarter, one which will affect their offense for the regular season. Junior wide receiver Jimmy King left the game midway through the first quarter with what turned out to be a dislocated left shoulder. Just like last season, King will likely miss the majority, if not all, of the 2019 football season.
As the first half progressed, things only got worse for the Warriors. They were unable gain any traction on offense until the end of the quarter, as Thomas caught another TD pass from Haynes. Meanwhile, Stephens County kept the foot on the throttle, scoring two more touchdowns to end the first half with a 27-13 lead.
Entering the third quarter, the Warriors were hoping to put six points on the board to give themselves momentum. On one hand, they put six points on the board. On the other hand, it was for Stephens County, as J. Ben Haynes threw a pick-6 to extend the lead for the Indians.
As the game progressed, both teams put in their second and third string players into the game. The younger Warriors played very well, as sophomore Silas Mulligan and junior Riley Stancil both scored touchdowns in the 4th quarter. However, their efforts were not enough to give the Warriors the preseason win.
Third year coach Tim Cokely will have a tough task leading this team to the playoffs. They have two state championship threats in their division in Marist and Blessed Trinity. Also, they have to deal with the always great Flowery Branch, and the up and coming Denmark. As for now, they will have two weeks to address their issues from today’s scrimmage before their season opener on August 30th vs. Lumpkin County.
White Co. boys basketball team suffers first loss of season
Sports, Team FYN Sports November 19, 2019
After winning their opening game of the season, the White County Warriors lost tonight to the Tallulah Falls Indians.
It was a difficult night for the Warriors. They had to play from behind for the majority of the game. Tallulah Falls took an early lead, leading 20-12 at the end of the first quarter. White Co. reduced the deficit in the second quarter, even taking the lead at one point. However, the Indians would retake the lead and wouldn’t lose it for the rest of the game. Their biggest lead of the game was by 12 points, before winning by seven points (65-58).
Silas Mulligan at the free throw line.
The Warriors were on their back foot all game long. Only four Warriors scored tonight out of the 12 that are on the team.
Silas Mulligan lead the Warriors with 23 points.
Meanwhile, Jadon Yeh scored 12 points, Reece Dockery scored eight, and Cooper Turner scored 15. But as was previously mentioned, those were the only Warriors that scored.
Compare this to Friday night’s game where which nine different players scored. This was definitely an off night for the Warriors, and they’ll need to get their players involved more consistently throughout the season, especially when region play begins.
The White Co. Warriors will look to rebound from the loss as they play at Habersham County on Friday and at home against South Forsyth on Saturday. For more updates, follow Team FYN Sports on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week – Cooper Turner #5
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2019
This junior wide receiver made huge plays in the second half to keep the Warriors alive.
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce the Player of the Week for the White County Warriors – Cooper Turner.
The Junior WR continued the role he has been on with another standout performance. After starting out cold in the 1st quarter, Turner began to show out and consistently create space from defenders. He would score two touchdowns in the second half, giving him 4 touchdowns in the past two games. Also, he had multiple catches to keep drives alive and to gain momentum throughout the close game.
Multiple players deserve recognition as well tonight. Jesse Thomas was also making big plays on offense. Meanwhile, there was an assortment of White County defenders who were making key stops.
Congratulations to Cooper Turner for being selected as the Team FYN Sports player of the week for the White County Warriors!
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week – J. Ben Haynes #8
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports October 18, 2019
For the third time this season, White County’s quarterback stole the show.
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce the Player of the Week for the White County Warriors – QB J. Ben Haynes. Haynes led the Warriors to a dominant 42-0 victory over the West Hall Spartans.
The Junior QB was in complete control tonight. He was responsible for 5 of the 6 Warrior touchdowns tonight. Haynes rushed for 3 touchdowns, along with passing for two touchdowns. This was his most impressive performance yet, and it came when the Warriors needed it the most.
Congratulations to J. Ben for being selected as the Team FYN Sports player of the week for the White County Warriors!
Warriors suffer a tough loss to the Marist War Eagles.
Sports, Team FYN Sports September 28, 2019
In what was the expected result coming into the game, the Marist War Eagles were able to defeat the White County Warriors 35-19.
The beginning portion of the game was controlled by Marist.
The War Eagles were on the hunt early. After a White County 3 & out to start the game, Marist QB Connor Cigelske scored a 58 yard rushing touchdown on one of their first offensive plays to almost immediately gain the lead. They would soon score again after another rushing touchdown midway through the first quarter, making the score 15-0 after a two point conversion.
The Warriors would have multiple ups and downs throughout the game.
Seth Stonecypher before his TD.
Meanwhile, it was a rough start for the Warriors. It was in the 2nd quarter after four offensive drives to finally gain a first down after a fourth down conversion. Later on during that same drive, J. Ben Haynes would find Cooper Turner for a deep ball, and Turner would be stopped at the 1 yard line. Junior running back Seth Stonecypher would score his first career rushing touchdown on the next play, making the score 15-7.
The Warriors had another golden opportunity to score shortly afterwards. Marist would fumble the ensuing kick return and Jesse Moose would recover the fumble at the Marist 3 yard line. However, Marist would make an impressive goal line stand, stopping the Warriors from scoring on all four downs. On the War Eagles first play back on offense. Fullback Lincoln Parker scored a 98 yard rushing touchdown, killing all of White County’s momentum in a matter of seconds. To further deplete themselves, J, Ben Haynes would throw his first of two interceptions in the game. Marist would score another touchdown and a field goal in the remaining minutes of the half to go into halftime with a 32-7 lead.
Jaquez Williams after his fumble recovery.
To begin the 2nd half, Marist kicked another field goal to give themselves a 35-7 lead. After this, it was clear that they took their foot off the throttle, as they would put in their second unit on both offense and defense. Early on in this stint, the Warriors had trouble. After Jaquez Willimas recovered a fumble on defense, Haynes would throw his second interception to immediately give the ball back.
The Warriors slowly began to crawl towards a comeback as the game progressed.
J. Ben Haynes after his 2nd interception
Things started to lookup for the Warriors afterwards. White County kept their first string units in for the game, and they began to look good. They forced Marist to punt on their next two defensive drives. Meanwhile, the Warrior offense began to gain momentum. Haynes was firing the ball downfield as Jesse Thomas and Cooper Turner were his leading targets. However, it was Reece Dockery that would catch a 17 yard receiving touchdown to bring the deficit to 22. On the Warriors next offensive drive, Haynes would rush in for an 8 yard TD, making the score 19-35 with less than six minutes remaining. . Both of these touchdowns were on fourth down. All game long, the Warriors were converting fourth downs, as they only punted the ball 4 times, all in the first half.
Marist was feeling the pressure of a Warrior comeback, and put in their first string offense maintain the lead and to seal the victory. They would run the clock out, and end the game with a 35-19 victory.
What’s next for the Warriors?
Ultimately, the Warriors were always going to have a tough time tonight. Marist came into the game undefeated and are widely regarded as one of the top teams in the entire state of Georgia, and they proved why they are ranked so high tonight. Meanwhile, the Warriors have another tough road game next week as they travel to Flowery Branch to take on the Falcons before a bye week. To keep up with more White County Warrior news, follow Team FYN Sports on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
White County Puts Up Valiant Effort in Loss
Team FYN Sports, White County High School September 7, 2019
In what was a tale of two halves, the White County Warriors lost a close game to the Habersham Central Raiders 42-28
Coming into tonight’s game, the Warriors had plenty of momentum as they had just dominated Lumpkin a week prior. On the other hand, Habersham had lost two straight games to open their season and were in desperate need of a win. The last three times these teams had played, they were all close games that went down to the wire. Tonight’s game was no different.
Habersham’s QB Ryte Woodruff celebrating after scoring a TD
In the first half, the game was completely in the Raiders’ control. They scored on their first offensive drive with relative ease, as QB Ryte Woodruff scored his first of two rushing touchdowns. The Warriors had no response, as the offensive line play was completely different from last week. The Raiders defense was completely overwhelming. Last week’s Player of the Week Zion McMullen was completely flustered early on. White County’s quarterback J. Ben Haynes had a hard time completing passes due to the defensive coverage, along with the fact that he was constantly pressured. The offensive line was completely lackadaisical early on in the first half, but that wasn’t the only problem for the Warriors.
Just like last week, the Warriors were constantly being held back by penalties. Any time they had any momentum going their way, they would be flagged for a false start or blocking in the back or other avoidable penalties. However there were some bright spots in the first half. Nix Burkett had a clutch interception halfway through the 2nd quarter to stop Habersham’s momentum, and fire up the Warriors. Also, the Warrior offense slowly began to gain ground on their drives. White County may have went into the half down 21-0, but they were not going to give up.
Nix Burkett celebrating after his Interception
As the 2nd half began, the Warriors began to bring the fight to the Raiders.
White County began the 2nd half scoring touchdowns early. On their first offensive drive, Haynes fired a TD pass to Toby Turner to give the Warriors their first points of the game, making the score 21-7. Ryte Woodruff would score another TD for Habersham on the next possession, but that did not phase the Warriors. As a matter of fact, it may have fired them up even more.
J. Ben Haynes
The Warriors were in complete control for close to 12 minutes of game time. A big factor in this was a personnel change made at the half. Riley Stancil took over for Zion as the lead runningback, and brought new life. He became an immediate threat in both the running and passing game. Haynes would score a rushing TD midway through the 3rd to bring the deficit to 13 (14-27). After another quick Habersham TD, the game was in the palm of the hand of J. Ben Haynes.
Haynes put in one of his best performances yet. He threw another passing TD, this one to Nix Burkett, once again bringing the deficit to 13 points at the end of the 3rd quarter. White County’s special teams would convert a successful onside kick, their second of the game, to increase their momentum. Haynes would then lead the Warriors on an increasingly up and down drive. As the fourth quarter progressed, Haynes converted three 4th downs on the same drive to keep their chances alive. His final 4th down conversion would be a TD run at the goal line to bring the deficit to six.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, their good fortune would not last until the end of the game.
Habersham’s Jackson Clouatre after scoring a TD
Even while the Warriors were dominating, they were still being held back by penalties. Multiple times, they had their momentum halted by penalties for illegal receivers (offensive linemen being more than 5 yards down field while blocking on a pass play). As for the Raiders, their next offensive drive would prove to be a game sealer. They drove down the field, and Jackson Clouatre scored a deflating TD. Habersham then converted a 2 point conversion to increase the lead to 14. Haynes led the Warriors on the field, but soon turned the ball over on downs after missing passes on 3rd and 4th down. On the next drive, the Warriors would make an impressive goal line stand, but they ran out of time in their comeback efforts.
White County played great tonight, even in defeat. As they play against the Pickens County Dragons next week, they will have to be more careful with their penalties if they have any hopes of winning. The Warriors lost twice against Pickens last season, including a loss in the first round of the playoffs. Can the Warriors gain another win before starting region play?
For more White County football coverage, follow Team FYN Sports on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Team FYN Sports Player of the Week – Cooper Turner #5
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports November 8, 2019
Once again, Turner played his heart out and made lots of big plays throughout the night.
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce that once again, the Player of the Week for the White County Warriors is Cooper Turner.
The Junior WR continued the role he has been on with another standout performance. He was able to carve his way through a tough Blessed Trinity defense and get open consistently. While unable to score a touchdown, he came close a couple of times, while having over 100 yards receiving. Thankfully for the Warriors, Turner will have one more year of playing time to give. He’s been a deep threat for QB J. Ben Haynes for years, and will look to do the same next year.
Congratulations to Cooper Turner for being selected as the Team FYN Sports player of the week for the White County Warriors!
White County Heads into Bye Week 3-3 after Loss to Flowery Branch
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 5, 2019
For the second consecutive week, the White County Warriors suffer a road defeat to a regional opponent. This time out, the Flowery Branch Falcons defeated them 45-20.
The game was under the control of Flowery Branch from the very start.
Their rushing attack was unstoppable throughout the entirety of the game, starting out with their team rushing down the field and scoring on their first drive, with RB Chase Dial-Watson scoring his first of 2 rushing touchdowns. On their next offensive drive, it would be RB Jaizen Ellingham scoring his first of 3 TDs, which gave the Falcons a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter.
An unwelcome sight for the White County Warriors
Meanwhile, the Warriors struggled. Their defense was almost nonexistent in the first half, especially against the run. On offense, the Warriors couldn’t buy a first down in the first quarter. They finally got to move the chains during the 2nd quarter after faking a punt and passing for a first down. However, it could be argued that the biggest adversary for the Warriors tonight was not wearing pads and dressed in black. Instead, their biggest adversary was a yellow piece of dirty laundry that constantly found its way onto the field. Yes, the penalty flag was constantly setting the Warriors back and killing their momentum all throughout the night. In the first half, the Warriors were called for 4 false start calls, along with being called for holding multiple times.
Eventually, the Warriors gained some steam.
Will Sampson catching the TD pass.
After the Falcons scored another TD and converted a 32 yard field goal, the Warriors finally had a good drive going. J. Ben Haynes led his team downfield with key passes to Will Sampson and Cooper Turner. He would eventually find Will Sampson wide open in the endzone, and the Warriors would go into the half losing 6-24.
The Warriors went into the 2nd half without a key defensive player. Two time player of the week Jesse Moose would not return to the game in the 2nd half as he left with an undisclosed injury. But they started the 2nd half on offense, and Haynes was once again driving the ball downfield, including a 42 yard pass to Jesse Thomas. Eventually, the ball was at the 5 yard line, and on the next play, Haynes would throw an interception, adding on to his unimpressive tally of INTs throughout the season.
J. Ben Haynes moment after his second turnover.
Things would go from bad to worse for J. Ben. After White County forced a 3 and out on defense, he would fumble the ball on the next offensive drive, bringing the morale of the Warriors to an all time low.
Meanwhile, the Falcons continued to play well on offense. Jaizen Ellingham would score his 2nd TD after the fumble, giving the Falcons a 31-6 lead to end the 3rd quarter.
The Warriors would not lose without a fight.
The Falcons would bring on their 2nd unit on defense, which in return, gave the Warriors a chance to fire on offense. Haynes began to play like the man we had seen earlier in the season. Haynes would score on an 18 yard rushing TD after leading his offense on an impressive and uplifting the drive. Flowery Branch and Ellingham would once again score on the next drive to bring the lead back to 25.
The next offensive drive for the Warriors was a flashback to the Lumpkin County vs. White County matchup. Zion McMullen absolutely flew past the Falcon defenders, rushing for over 70 yards on the drive, ending the drive on a 3 yard TD. But this effort was too late in the game, as Flowery Branch would drive down the field and kill the clock, before scoring another TD with less than a minute remaining, sealing their victory with the final score of 45-20.
Up next, a much needed break for the Warriors.
For the Warriors, they are now 0-2 in region play this season. On the plus side, they have an off week next week, and now have time to get healthy and recuperate. When they return in two weeks, it will be their homecoming game against West Hall. It is a must win game for the Warriors if they want any chance of making the playoffs. For more updates on the White County Warriors, follow Team FYN Sports on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week – J. Ben Haynes, #8
Player of the Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports September 21, 2019
Tonight was the J. Ben Haynes Show; it was spectacular to witness.
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce it’s Player of the Week for the White County Warriors – QB J. Ben Haynes. Haynes led the Warriors to a huge victory over the rival North Hall Trojans.
Haynes was undoubtedly the best player on the field tonight. He was throwing the ball down the middle of the field with pinpoint perfection, including a key 45 yard passing TD. Most of his incompletions were through no fault of his own due to receivers dropping multiple passes. But what was most impressive was his rushing. Last season, Haynes would very rarely run the ball. This season, he has scored rushing touchdowns in all four games so far, including 3 tonight. Every time he was under pressure, he found a way to gain yards and keep the drives alive.
Congratulations to J. Ben for being selected as the Team FYN Sports player of the week for the White County Warriors for the 2nd time this year!
White County Warriors Lose to Denmark in a Nail Biter
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 26, 2019
In what was White County’s most important game of the year, the Warriors came up just short against the Denmark Danes, losing 28-21.
Denmark took control of this game almost immediately. On their first offensive play, they scored on a 74 yard rushing TD, immediately gaining a 7-0 lead. For the Warriors, this complete killed their spirits early on. They were unable to gain any momentum on offense, going 3 and out on two straight drives. Meanwhile, Denmark would once again score later on in the 1st quarter to take a 14-0 lead. However, it was at this point that the Warriors began to play well on both sides of the ball.
Jesse Moose tackling Denmark’s QB for a sack
White County would score near the end of the 1st quarter with a 26 yard TD pass from J. Ben Haynes to Jesse Thomas. On defense, they were able to dominate in the second quarter. A big factor in this was the return of Jesse Moose, who had missed last weeks game with injury. He made a key sack early in the 2nd quarter which brought the home stadium on their feet. Multiple players on defense were making their mark, including Zion McMullen who had his best defensive game yet with multiple important tackles throughout the night. Both offenses were at a halt in the second quarter, and the first half would end with Denmark leading 14-7.
Both offenses began to play better in the second half.
After White County went 3 and out to begin the second half, Denmark once again found their way into the end zone, as their RB Zach Ogbogu scored on a 58 yard TD. The Warriors had a hard time completing tackles in the second half, as the Danes were able to consistently break tackles. Although, the Warriors were able to rebound quickly on offense. J. Ben Haynes tossed the ball to Riley Stancil, but to the surprise of the Danes, Stancil would fire a pass downfield to Cooper Turner to easily catch for a trick play touchdown. This brought the Warriors back within 7 (14-21), and the 3rd quarter would end with the Danes driving down field.
Riley Stancil (#10) celebrating after his passing TD.
Early in the 4th quarter, Danes RB Jordan Brunson would score to extend the Danes lead to 28-14. However, the Warriors would fire back quickly. J. Ben Haynes would lead the Warriors downfield, firing off passes left and right, carving up the Denmark defense. He would connect with Cooper Turner for a 14 yard touchdown to bring the margin back to 7. Then, the Warrior defense stepped up. Big tackles from Dylan Archer and Zion McMullen fired up the Warrior crowd. Denmark would go for it on 4th down, and would fail. This gave the Warriors possession at the White County 29 yard line, with less than half a quarter remaining.
The close game would come down to one play late.
The Warriors were able to drive downfield, as Haynes continued to make plays both in the air and on his feet. Time continued to wind down, and the pressure on the Warriors to score was rising. Finally, it all came down to one play late. 4th and 3, and the ball was at the Denmark 28 with 2:05 remaining in game. Haynes fired a pass to Jesse Thomas, but it was low and went incomplete. Denmark regained possession, and ran down the clock to win the game 28-21.
For the Warriors, playoff hopes are now diminishing.
The Warriors are now in 5th place in the region, at a 1-3 record. Technically, they still have a chance, but it is small. They would have to win both of their remaining games against the 1-7 Chestatee War Eagles and the 7-1 defending state champion Blessed Trinity Titans. Also, either Flowery Branch or Denmark would have to lose both of their next games (they play each other in the final week of the season.) It’s a tough road for the Warriors, and they will have to play hard to end the season.
For more updates on the White County Warriors, follow Team FYN Sports on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
White County Easily Defeats West Hall to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
Sports, Team FYN Sports October 18, 2019
After two straight losses and a bye week, the Warriors were completely rejuvenated tonight, defeating the West Hall Spartans 42-0.
It was homecoming night at White County High School, and the Warriors came out in full force. From the opening kickoff, the Warriors were in complete control. On their third offensive play, Cooper Turner would score on a jet sweep in the red zone to give the Warriors an early 7-0 lead. Late in the 1st quarter, the Warriors would once again score as J. Ben Haynes would score his first of 3 rushing touchdowns, giving the Warriors a 14-0 lead to end the 1st quarter.
J. Ben Haynes and Devin Sullens celebrating a touchdown
West Hall was no competition for the Warriors tonight. However, they had their moments throughout the game where it looked as if they could compete. Early on, they were driving down field, and they looked as if they were about to score. Unfortunately for the Spartans, they would turn the ball over on downs, killing any momentum that they had.
The Warriors would respond in the 2nd quarter with no forgiveness.
J. Ben Haynes was responsible for every touchdown in the second quarter. He had two more rushing touchdowns, along with a 40 yard passing touchdown to Cooper Turner. Meanwhile, the White County Warriors defense was incredible. Although they were without Jesse Moose, the Warriors had no problem stopping the Spartans. Surprisingly, it was a freshman taking control of the game on defense. Defensive back Darius Cannon had his best game to date, with two interceptions in the second quarter, along with making multiple key tackles throughout the game. At the end of the 1st half, the Warriors went into the locker room with a 35-0 lead.
In the second half, the Warrior defense certainly didn’t lose control.
The Warrior defense continued to dominate in the second half. They had three turnovers, including two more interceptions from Silas Mulligan and Will Sampson. The defense continued to be dominant, even with more second unit players subbing in as the clock winded down.
Darius Cannon after his second interception.
Meanwhile, the Warrior offense would score again early on the 4th quarter. J. Ben Haynes would find the Homecoming King Jesse Thomas wide open for a 49 yard receiving touchdown, extending the lead to 42-0. In the 4th Quarter, the Warriors would play with a continuous clock, and it would not take long for them to secure the win.
Next week, The Warriors play their biggest game of the season.
The Warriors will play next week against the Denmark Danes at home. The Danes are a second year high school, and they have only two losses on the season, both of them against the two best teams in the region, Blessed Trinity and Marist. If the Warriors have any hope of making playoffs, then they must win this game. Otherwise, their chances will drastically decrease.
For more coverage of the White County Warriors, follow Team FYN Sports on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Warriors Win a Thriller Against Their Biggest Rival
Sports, Team FYN Sports September 20, 2019
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
Dizzy Dean 12 U Tournament Recap
Featured Stories June 20, 2019
After 5 straight days of baseball, Clay County are bringing home some new trophies.
It was an exciting weekend of baseball in White County. Once everything was wrapped up, it was Clay County who were crowned champions of the Dizzy Dean District 6 12 U Baseball Tournament.
Clay County defeated Jackson County 8-6 in a back and forth final game of the tournament on Monday evening after five straight days of play. Eleven counties/teams made their way to White County’s new Yonah Preserve facility for the tournament: Clay, Jackson, Union, Fannin, Gilmer, Dawson, Towns, Jefferson, Hall, Lumpkin, and White.
The highlighted teams are the winners of each game.
The first two days of the tournament were pool play days. The eleven teams were split into three groups. Each team played two games in order to arrange the seeding of the tournament. The main story coming out of the pool play was how dominate Clay County were. They scored an astounding 32 runs in their opening games, which easily earned them the one seed. Furthermore, only Clay and Union County won both of their games, while the rest of the teams each lost at least one of their pool games. Only Lumpkin and Towns County lost both of their pool games.
Saturday is when bracket play began, including three play in games and the quarterfinals. There were not many upsets throughout the event, with the only exception to that being Jackson County. They played two games on Saturday, defeating Towns County early in the morning to play #3 Jefferson. Jackson County was able to pull off the upset against Jefferson in the last game of the day by the final score of 9-5. The semifinals on Sunday consisted of #1 Clay County vs. #4 Fannin County, and #2 Union County vs. #6 Jackson County. Clay and Jackson advanced to the finals of this tournament. Meanwhile, all four of the semifinalists qualified for the state tournament in Canton, GA next week.
Congratulations to Clay County for their victory in this weekend’s tournament!
White County Lady Warriors Start New School Year Undefeated
Sports, Team FYN Sports, White County High School August 9, 2019
As the 2019-2020 school year begins in White County, our Lady Warrior teams have started their seasons on the right track. The volleyball and softball teams both played yesterday evening at home and pulled off wins.
The softball team started their season last Thursday with a home win over Lumpkin County 14-8. Led by fifth year head coach Drew Owens, the Lady Warriors have always been a threat to make the playoffs and this year looks no different. Yesterday, our team won against Gainesville in a close game by the score of 4-2, bringing our record to 4-0. It was a back and forth game, but a dominant pitching performance by sophomore Reagan Dunagan helped deliver the victory. For our softball team, they will play two games against Flowery Branch next week (away on 8/13, home on 8/15), and then they play Cherokee Bluff on 8/17.
Meanwhile, our volleyball team played their first game yesterday. They swept Rabun County in three sets (26-24, 25-20, 25-18) to pick up their first win of the season. It was a somewhat difficult game, as they were near defeat in the first two sets before coming back to win them, and then dominating the third set. Under 2nd year head coach Shannon Smith, the Lady Warriors will hope to once again go the playoffs, and they’re chances are good. Our team has plenty of leadership with 6 seniors leading the charge (Aliza Johnson, Kendall Pardue, Kylie Johnson, Karlie Burke, Alyssa Bertie, and Hope Thomas.) The team will play two games on the road next week against West Hall on 8/13 and Athens Academy on 8/15.
This school year looks to be a successful one for our girls teams, as they will look to continue their success as the season progresses. Also, our football team will begin their 2019 season with a scrimmage @ Stephens County on 8/15. Be on the lookout for more White County sports updates here on Fetch Your News.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week – Zion McMullen #1
Sports, Team FYN Sports August 31, 2019
Tonight, the number 1 was more than just a jersey number.
Team FYN Sports is excited to announce the first Player of the Week for the White County Warriors – Running back and return specialist Zion McMullen. Zion made his first start tonight at the varsity level, and he did not disappoint.
Zion scored three times against Lumpkin County tonight. He was a constant force to be reckon with, and the Indians’ defense had no answers. Considering the fact that he split his RB duties with multiple players, that makes his performance even more impressive.
Congratulations to Zion for being selected as the Team FYN Sports player of the week for the White County Warriors!
Lady Warriors Get Walk Off Victory
Sports, Team FYN Sports September 13, 2018
The Cherokee Bluff Bears came North on Tuesday to face off against the Lady Warriors of White County in a 7-AAA softball game. Cherokee Bluff, a new high school in Hall County, has started off slow in the 2018 season at 4-12 overall and 0-7 in the region and yet they are no easy task to defeat on the field. White Co. came in at 10-5 overall and 5-3 in region 7-AAA and trying to keep pace with teams to them in the standings.
Tuesday’s game saw two teams play extremely well in the field with neither team committing an error in the game. Offensively these two teams put up a combined 25 hits and yet only 7 runners crossed the plate in the game. The Bears put one run on the board in the second inning and two runs up in the third to hold an early lead that would hold into the sixth over the Lady Warriors. White Co. batter had 6 hits, a walk and hit batter through the fifth but could not get anyone across the dish. With nothing happening in the top of the sixth the Bears went quietly in their half inning. Finding themselves down by three runs and only two more chances in regulation , the Lady Warriors came to the plate. The bottom of the sixth set the stage for the Lady Warriors. With four hits in the inning the Lady Warrior bats once again came to life and scored two runs and placing them down by one heading into the seventh inning. Once again with Reagan Dunagan in the circle the Bears were held to a zero on the board. Having just one chance and three outs to change the number on the scoreboard, the Lady Warriors came through and put one across the plate by way of a walk(Katy Palmer) and back to back to back singles by Abby Taylor, McKenzie Ramey, and Kelsey Anderson. Ramey crossed the plate to tie the game at three a piece at the end of the seventh.
Heading into extra innings the eighth and ninth were fairly quiet for the Bears getting only two runners on base. The Lady Warriors would get one runner on in their half of the eighth and couldn’t get her across and forcing a ninth inning in the game. The number nine proved to be a good one for the Lady Warriors. Katy Palmer led off with a single on a one ball and one strike count and becoming the winning run for White Co. Stepping in to the batters box for the Lady Warriors, Abby Taylor worked the Bears pitcher to a three ball and one strike count. Knowing her opponent didn’t want walk her and move Palmer to second, Taylor was looking for a strike to hit. Taylor got that pitch and hit a line drive to right field. With each base Taylor touched she knew that Palmer was a base in front. As Abby Taylor stopped on third base, Katy Palmer had crossed home plate giving the White Co. Lady Warriors a win in walk-off fashion.
Pitching a great game and getting the win for White was Reagan Dunagan. Dunagan threw 133 pitches allowing 9 hits, 3 runs(2 earned), 5 strikeouts and no walks. At the plate the Lady Warriors had 16 hits on the day with four having a multiple hit game. Abby Taylor-3 for 5 with 1 RBI. Katy Ramey-3 for 4 with run scored, Reagan Dunagan-3 for 4 and Annika Vandiver-3 for 3 with RBI. There were four other Lady Warriors with one hit each.
Next up for White Co. will be a travel game as they head to Clarke Central in Athens. Start time is 5:00 PM.