Hurricanes Defeated By Rabun
Competing against the highest ranked team in the region, it was a challenging night for the Monticello Hurricanes as they lost 45-16 to the Rabun County Wildcats. The Canes now move to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the region.
To begin play, the Wildcats drove down the field for three consecutive touchdowns to start the game. Despite these three touchdowns, a well defended pass by #15 Jeremiah Jackson did save a Wildcat touchdown and was sure to be a building block for the Canes who trailed 21-0 headed into the second quarter.
The second quarter brought some Canes excitement as they nearly started with a touchdown. However, an intercepted pass by the Wildcats prevented this much needed touchdown. The Wildcats drove down the field for the remainder of the half to put another 21 points on the board. At halftime, the Canes trailed 42-0 with plenty of work ahead of them.
The second half was the Canes time to shine! They started out the second half by forcing a Wildcats’ turnover on downs in part to the action of #6 Mac Barton. After this turnover on downs, the Canes were able to drive down the field and score a touchdown thanks to an impressive rush by #14 Jay Fleetwood. Even better, Fleetwood successfully scored a two point conversion to put a total of eight points on the board. The Canes took this momentum into the fourth quarter, trailing 42-8.
Most impressive was the fact that the Canes used the momentum from the third quarter to continuously hold the Wildcat defense during the entire fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter started out on a negative note for the Canes, as an early fumble cost them possession of the ball. However, this fumble turned into a blessing as #2 Jamel Gude intercepted a Wildcat pass to return it for a touchdown. With the option to put an extra two points on the board, the Canes elected to attempt a two point conversion. Fleetwood took this opportunity and converted a two point conversion for the second time during the game. This touchdown and two point conversion gave the Canes a total of 16 points. Unfortunately, the Wildcats were not completely finished for the evening as they were able to drive down the field one last time to kick a field goal late in the game. The game ended 45-16 in favor of the Wildcats who again are the leaders in the region.
During the course of this most challenging opponent, the Canes came away with #1 Dylan Jackson leading in rushing yards, picking up 43 yards with 13 carries. On the defensive side of the ball, Fleetwood led the Canes with 11 total tackles.
Tomorrow, Sept. 28 is a special game for the Canes as they take on their rivals, the Putnam County War Eagles, for the 2018 homecoming game. Game time Friday is 7:30 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field. With construction soon to begin on the new athletic complex, this will likely be the last homecoming game at Rose Bowl. Join the Canes for the Homecoming Parade today, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.