Raiders take home opener 45-7

Habersham Central senior linebacker CJ Davis (3) runs with the ball after intercepting it during the football game between Stephens County and Habersham Central at Raider Stadium on Friday, Aug. 28. (Photo/Landen Todd)

Habersham Central football (1-1) bounced back with a 45-7 win over the Indians (0-2) at Raider Stadium on Friday, Aug. 28.

It was a much-needed win after a poor showing last week in a 51-3 loss to Hart County on the road.

"Well, everybody had counted us dead after week one," HCHS Football Head Coach Benji Harrison said.

"I knew what kind of team we were. I knew that we were a lot better than what we showed, and our kids would respond. So that's the statement. We're not dead. We're a good football team, and we play like we're capable of playing. Man, our kids believed. I knew it before the game. I couldn't even hold them in the locker room. They were like horses trying to escape. They played the way I know this football team can play."

Senior quarterback Paris Wilbanks showed up in a big way tonight, rushing for four touchdowns with three of them coming in the first half. He ran for 109 yards on the ground, while having a quiet passing night, going 4-of-12 for 39 yards.

"We had to get our swag back," Wilbanks said. "This is a great group with a great opportunity to make a run. All of these guys have fully bought in, and the loss at Hart County only made this group closer and hungrier."

In the first drive, the Raider offense started a little sloppy with a few fouls but managed to set up a comfortable Kieran Wallace 34-yard field goal to take the first lead with 6:53 left in the first quarter.

Stephens County's offense followed with a drive down the field to set up senior Ashton Winters to run it in for a four-yard touchdown to take a 7-3 lead with 4:47 left.

After that, Habersham Central started to get comfortable and had Wilbanks score one seven-yard rushing touchdown with 3:09 left in the first.

The Indians' next drive was forced to a three-and-out. Habersham Central's offense started at Stephen's 47-yard line, which they drove all the way down the field for Wilbanks to run it for a five-yard touchdown with 11:00 to go in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Habersham Central senior defender Corbett Dover got a big tackle on Stephens junior quarterback Branson Stowe to get a turnover on downs with 8:53 left in the second quarter on the Raiders' 36-yard line.

Wilbanks rushed for his third touchdown for 10 yards with 1:03 left in the first half.

To end the first half, Stephens County quarterback Branson Stowe's pass was intercepted by Habersham Central senior linebacker CJ Davis at the Indians' 41-yard line.

Wilbanks ran in his fourth touchdown from the Indians' 19-yard line with around three minutes left in the third quarter, which was set up by defensive back Creed Jones' interception.

Stowe had a rough night, finishing 11-24 for 124 yards and two interceptions.

In the fourth quarter, Habersham Central junior running back Kenley Bee punched it in to go up 38-7.

"Last week was tough, and the whole week was tough, I told our guys," Harrison said. "Man, tough times make really tough people, or they break people. I just believe in these groups. They believe in us. We believe in them. I just had a feeling they would respond. And they did. So I'm just super proud of them. Somebody asked me today, what's the one word that's going to take for you to win this game? I said, it's the easiest: physicality. If we're physical, we will win; if we're not, we won't. And we made a statement physically tonight."

Raider Defensive lineman Jonas Owen led the team with two sacks and also had 2.5 tackles for loss and six total tackles. Pass rusher Corbett Dover had a sack, three quarterback hurries, and also had 2.5 tackles for loss and six total tackles.

Both Jones and Henry Burgess led the team with seven tackles apiece.

Habersham Central junior running back Kenley Bee was strong on the ground, rushing 23 times for 107 yards and a touchdown.

"It feels good to prove to everybody that I am a true dual threat and get back to how I was moving Sophomore year," Wilbanks said. “The offensive line, receivers, and running back Kenley Bee all had a great night in the run game.”

With under seven minutes left in the game, the Raider backups came in.

This led sophomore running back Braiden Shook to make the final score 45-7.

Habersham Central plays on the road against Monroe Area (2-0) on Friday, Sept. 4.