Bulldogs Bite Braves 40-14, Head Back to The Benz
The Toombs County High School Bulldogs are heading back to the State Championship.
On a cool Friday night at Staples Stadium in Franklin, GA, the #2 ranked Bulldogs dominated the #3 Heard County Braves 40-14 in the GHSA Class A Division I Semifinals. Behind a stellar performance from quarterback Joseph Owens and a hat trick of touchdowns from running back Justin Powell, Toombs County punched its ticket to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nick Carroll added 12 catches for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns on the night.
The Bulldogs (13-1) wasted no time establishing control, jumping out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The defense, which held firm all night, kept the Braves off the board early, forcing multiple punts and a turnover on downs.
In the second quarter, Toombs extended the lead. A rushing touchdown capped a decisive drive to make it 140. Heard County (9-4) managed to respond just before halftime with a rushing score of their own, cutting the deficit to 14-7 at the break.
The second half belonged entirely to Toombs County.
Coming out of the locker room, Owens orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing the night with 287 passing yards and 2 touchdowns on 79% completion. He connected on a passing touchdown to Nick Carroll midway through the third quarter to push the lead to 21-7.
Moments later, Justin Powell found the end zone again. The junior running back, who rushed for 94 yards on the night, scored his second touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run late in the third, extending the lead to 27-7.
Heard County briefly found life with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Tisdale to cut it to 27-14, but the Bulldogs’ defense clamped down in the fourth quarter.
Toombs County put the game away with a punishing ground attack in the final frame. Brandon Stevens broke free for a 13-yard rushing touchdown to make it 34-14 with 8 minutes remaining. After another defensive stop, Powell iced the game with a 23-yard touchdown run—his third score of the continued from page
night—bringing the final tally to 40-14.
Coach Buddy Martin said, “These guys know what it takes to be successful. They have a ton of character, a ton of heart, and what an amazing ride. We have great leadership, show up to work everyday, and they have made it clear every week that they are the ones doing the hunting. Back to the Benz, baby, pack it out, Toombs County. How 'bout these Dawgs, baby!”
Coach Martin’s squad will now face the #1 ranked Worth County Rams for the Class A Division I State Championship. Kickoff is set for Tuesday, December 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
