Christian Heritage School falls to Fannin County 48-21 despite big offensive, defensive plays

Published 12:30 pm Monday, October 28, 2024

After a back-and-forth battle in the Lions’ Den, Christian Heritage School’s seven-game winning streak was ended with a 48-21 loss to undefeated Fannin County on Friday night.

With the win against Christian Heritage (7-2, 5-1 Region 7-A DI), the Rebels (9-0, 6-0 Region 7-A DI) remain atop the region standings with one week left in the regular season.

The early part of the game favored the Lions after a fumble by Fannin County quarterback Lawson Sullivan was picked up by Christian Heritage’s Benji Michmerhuizen.

The following possession ended with Christian Heritage gaining 17 yards before punting. Christian Heritage’s Jackson Locke raced down the field to pick up another fumble at the Fannin County 12 to set up a field goal attempt that was missed.

Minutes later, Lions quarterback Carter Triplett took to the air to find Ayden Pace for a 31-yard touchdown, with a successful Sam Bishop point after making the score 7-0.

The Rebels began their last possession of the first quarter with a long drive, making it to the Lions’ 4-yard-line before Carson Callihan barreled into the end zone for a rushing touchdown seconds into the second quarter. Matthew Ponton’s point after tied the game 7-7.

Fannin County’s Braxton Cheatham ran down the field to recover a fumble on the kickoff at the Lions’ 26, opening the door for a Callihan 1-yard rushing TD with 9:25 left in the half.

That score was soon followed by a pass from Sullivan to Elijah Weaver for another Fannin County score, this time a 49-yard passing TD, extending the Rebels’ lead to 21-7.

On the following Lions possession, Triplett quickly found Ryder Burse in the end zone for a 16-yard passing TD. Christian Heritage kept pressure on Fannin County, including a quarterback sack of Sullivan by Michmerhuizen resulting in a loss of 10 yards for the Rebels.

Fannin County’s first possession of the second half turned the tide in quick fashion when Sullivan ran down the field for a 63-yard TD. An unsuccessful point after attempt left the score at 27-14.

Following a stopped 29-yard drive by Christian Heritage, Fannin County began its next possession at its own 4 yard line. A handoff to Callihan resulted in a 96-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion by Cheatham extended the lead to 35-14.

Cheatham kept the momentum rolling for Fannin County by stepping between Triplett and a Lions receiver for an interception, but a fiery Christian Heritage defense, helped by a sack by John Stanley, kept the Rebels from scoring position.

The fourth quarter opened with Christian Heritage in possession of the ball at its 21 and ended with a throw from Triplett to Dontae Crowder for a 24-yard TD. A successful Bishop point after ended the scoring for the Lions.

On the following possession, Fannin County answered back in swift succession when Sullivan blasted past Lions defenders into the end zone for a 54-yard rushing TD with 7:55 left in the game. Another missed point after left the score at 41-21.

With less than five minutes left in the game, the Rebels made the score 48-21 when Callihan scored on a 30-yard run and the point after was successful.

This was Christian Heritage’s first loss since the opening game against Heritage on Aug. 17. Christian Heritage had toppled region foes Gordon Lee, Chattooga, Dade County, Coosa and Gordon Central.

Triplett ended the game 20 for 45 with 331 passing yards and 52 rushing yards.

Both teams face one more week of region competition. Christian Heritage travels to Rome this Friday at 7:30 p.m. to take on Armuchee, while Fannin County hosts Gordon Lee at 7:30 p.m.