Canes Win Last Time at Rose Bowl

It was a successful senior night for the Monticello Hurricanes as they were victorious over the Banks County Leopards, 36-33. The Canes move to 4-5 for the season and control their own playoff fate, needing one more victory to qualify for the Georgia High School Association’s (GHSA) AA state playoffs.

It was a shaky start for the Canes when the Leopards recovered an onside kick leading to an early touchdown. However, a 41 yard touchdown run by #33 Chansler Hope evened the score. With a big gain looming for the Leopards, #15 Jeremiah Jackson made a huge open field tackle to prevent a large gain. Sadly, the Leopards shook off this play and rushed in for their second touchdown of the day.

Back on offense, the Canes came out strong again looking to steal the lead from the Leopards. A 20 yard pass by #14 Jay Fleetwood to #13 Gavriel McClain kicked off the Canes offensive drive. To end the quarter, #6 Mac Barton rushed into the end zone. In an attempt to take the lead, the Canes attempted a two point conversion. The home side fans were thrilled to watch Fleetwood rush in for the two point conversion to give the Canes a one point lead heading into the second quarter.

The Leopards were not ready to give up. Another Leopard’s touchdown led to them quickly regaining the lead. However, a 56 yard touchdown rush by Hope led to the Canes regaining the lead almost instantaneously. Another two point conversion, by Barton, led to the Canes putting 22 points on the board. The Canes defense was ready to take a huge stand as a combined tackle by #53 Akiren Walker and #63 Jacob Parrish led to the defense forcing a Leopards turnover on downs.

Back on offense, the Canes were ready to extend their lead as a 22 yard pass from Fleetwood to #3 Marquise Reese set them up with an excellent opportunity to score another touchdown. They capitalized on this opportunity thanks to a touchdown pass by Fleetwood to J. Jackson. Fleetwood rushed into the end zone for a two point conversion as the Canes offense ended their half after putting 30 points on the board.

However, the Leopards rushed down the field into scoring position. Despite this good field position, #41 Jordan Mitchell made a huge open field tackle to prevent a Leopards touchdown. The Canes entered halftime with their heads held high, leading by a score of 30-19.

During halftime, the Marching Hurricanes performed exceptionally well with their rendition of “Noise.”

To add to the festivities, Canes’ alumni were honored on the field with a tribute to “days gone by” and the wonderful memories of the contributions of so many. Retired principal and former student athlete, Jimmy Jordan, led the tribute recalling memories of the days Rose Bowl Field was a playground and training field for younger students in the county who dreamed of becoming a varsity Cane.(See his comments listed in a Letter to the Editor on page 4.)

Seeing these alumni return to their alma matter in letterman jackets was a poignant reminder of the honor that donning the purple jersey truly is. Halftime came to an end as the Canes were ready to return to the field to claim their last victory on Rose Bowl.

The Leopards came out of halftime firing early as they added another touchdown to the scoreboard. As the Leopards creeped nearer and nearer to the end zone, a sack by #2 Jamel Gude forced the Leopards to punt, keeping the score at 30-25. With the Leopards receiving the football again, things were looking tumultuous for the Canes as the Leopards moved closer and closer to the end zone. Thankfully, an interception by #14 Fleetwood flipped the momentum back in favor for the Canes.

A defensively strong quarter from both teams led to the Canes entering the fourth quarter leading 30-25.

The Canes were ready to seal the game early into the fourth quarter by extending their lead to 11 points after a 51 yard touchdown pass from Fleetwood to McClain. An impressive tackle by #81 Cameron Lavaughn prevented the Leopards from making a big gain from the kickoff. However, the Leopards came out and scored another touchdown to send nerves down the backs of all of Canes’ nation.

With a strong play needed by the Canes, J. Jackson secured the win for the Canes after an interception in the remaining few seconds of the game. They kneeled down once on offense to allow the play clock to continue to click down to zero as they walked off the field victoriously. The emotional win could be seen and felt all across Monticello!

On top of playing in an extremely difficult region game, the Canes also celebrated senior night as all Canes’ seniors were recognized. For the varsity football players, the seniors recognized were Dylan Jackson, Jamel Gude, Marquis Reese, Colton Davis, Gavriel McClain, Jay Fleetwood, Jeremiah Jackson, Rafael Perez, Dallas Card, Moses Manning, Chansler Hope, Jyrell Norwood, Jacob Parrish, Cameron Lavaughn, and Max Dotson. In addition to these players, all seniors in fall competitive events were recognized on the field.

The Canes control their own fate, as a victory against the Social Circle Redskins will secure a position for the Canes in the GHSA AA state playoffs. The Canes hope to follow the Rabun County Wildcats, the Union County Panthers, and the Elbert County Blue Devils as Region 8 AA representatives.

The Canes kick off at Social Circle at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. Travel with the Canes to provide support in this extremely critical matchup as they strive to guarantee their entrance into the state playoffs.