The Hephzibah Rebels dominated the Augusta Christian Lions 42-7 on Friday, Sept. 1.
Friday’s game on Augusta Christian’s home field began slowly as neither team scored on its first drives.
It wasn’t until late in the first quarter, when Hephzibah struck first with a run by quarterback JJ Gant for a touchdown. The Rebels failed on the extra point and began with a 6-0 lead with 2:45 remaining in the first quarter.
Augusta Christian struck right back on the next offense play to score its only points of the game with a 75-yard pass to wide receiver Anthony Pfluke from quarterback Wilson Donnelly for a touchdown. The Lions converted the extra point and took the 7-6 lead with 2:27 left in the first quarter.
The Rebels continued with their strong offense attack as Gant scored again on an eight-yard touchdown rush. Hephzibah decided to go for two and converted to make the score 14-7 with 11:54 remaining in the second quarter.
A couple of plays later, the Rebels’ defense forced a fumble, and linebacker Traeon Brown returned the ball for a 25-yard score, giving Hephzibah a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.
It was all Hephzibah the rest of the way as the Rebels added two more passing touchdowns and an eight-yard touchdown run by running back Telly Johnson, pushing the Rebels ahead 42-7 at half.
Neither team would be able to score in the second half and Hephzibah finished the game with a 42-7 victory.
Hephzibah (2-1) moves on to play Tattnall County (1-1) at home Friday, Sept.8.
Augusta Christian (1-1) will also be at home to play Bethlehem Christian Academy (3-0) next Friday night.
Christopher Rickerson, an Augusta University graduate, has covered area sports for Augusta University, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News newsletter here.
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