Hart Co. 27, JHS 17: Dragons stumble in second half

HARTWELL -- This wasn't the kind of welcome Jefferson wanted to give Hart County to Region 8-AA.

Hart County, which dropped down to Region 8-AAA this year, scored 15 unanswered points in the second half Friday to hand Jefferson (2-2) a 27-17 loss and its first setback in subregion play.

Hart County (2-1-1) rolled up 211 yards on the ground in moving to 1-0 in the subregion standings.

The Dragons led 17-12 at the break, but Hart County responded with an 11-play scoring drive to open the second half and tacked on a two-point conversion to grab a 20-17 lead.

Hart County sealed with the win in the fourth quarter with a 15-yard touchdown from quarterback Landon Beck, who broke multiple tackles en route to the end zone with 4:07 left in the game.

Things looked much more promising for the Dragons in the first half.

Jefferson got a pair of one-yard touchdown runs from quarterback Bryant Shirreffs and a 34-yard field goal from Asher Orr as the Dragons took a five-point lead into the locker room.

The Dragons would have perhaps led by more if not for a costly miscue in the second quarter. With Jefferson pinned deep in its own territory, Hart County batted down an option pitch and the Bulldogs fell on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown.

Jefferson didn't turn the ball over in the second half, but didn't score either as the Dragons suffered their first region loss since 2007.

Jefferson finished with 142 yards on the ground led by Chris Jackson, who ran for 57 yards. Shirreffs was 5-of-13 through the air for 90 yards. Jackson also led the Dragons in receiving with 46 yards.

Jackson had a busy night on the defensive side of the ball as well, logging 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. Zach Allen also had 10 tackles and one tackle for loss.

Jason Demos finished with eight tackles, a tackle for loss and one pass break-up. Kyle Mosley had six tackles and one interception.

The Dragons are off next week and will use the down time to prepare for a huge subregion showdown with North Oconee (3-0) on Oct. 1.

STAT LEADERS

Rushing: Jackson 57 yards, Sewell 49 yards, Allen 41 yds.
Passing: Shirreffs 5-13, 90 yds
Receiving: Jackson 46 yds, Maxey 24 yds