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It was a roller coaster ending as the last seconds ticked off the clock down in Nashville last Friday night as the Irwin County Indians lost a squeaker to Berrien Co Rebels 25-26. It was the perfect night for football. The stands were packed on both sides. The standing room only crowd would not be disappointed as two evenly matched teams gave it their all and fought tooth and nail to the final play with no time left on the clock. “WOW” an Instant Classic.

The Indians did what most growing teams would do. They came off of a win down in Clinch, had a good week of practice and fielded a team that executed offensive plays and made some key hard hitting defensive stops. The offensive line made a huge improvement from previous weeks. Guard Chandler Rowe, Center Ben Wright and Guard Bradley Tucker did an extremely good job at opening up the middle for a very hard- hitting Barnard Baker. Baker had 18 carries for 155 yard on the night. Jake Atkinson had a good game running the ball with 7 carries for 59 yards. Fred Marshall has a few big hits in the defensive backfield. Terrance Woodard, Tony Woodard, Eric Lawton, Kenny Richardson, and Darius Battle anchored the defensive line and did a great job stopping the run up the middle.

The Indians first score came with 1:13 left in the first with a 3 yard run and a successful PAT. Berrien answered with 7:00 left in the second with a 58yard touchdown pass. The Pat was no good. The ensuing kickoff was fielded by Kevious Robinson and returned 83 yards for the TD. The extra point was no good and the Indians led 13-6 but not for long. With 2:37 left in the half the Rebels scored again on a 9 yard pass. The Pat was good and the half ended at a 13-13 tie.

The second half was as entertaining as the first. The Indians drew blood first with a 96 yard touchdown drive capped off by a two yard run. PAT was no good. Irwin lead 19-13. Berrien was not going to be held back as they mounted a 12 play 61-yard drive. The PAT was no good 19-19. The Indians mounted a final scoring drive after an on side kick recovery. The Indians took the lead again with an 18-yard Barnard Baker scamper. PAT was no good Irwin led 25-19. Berrien would not quit and with 7 seconds to go in the game the Rebel quarterback threw a spectacular pass to the corner and was hauled in by the receiver tying the score at 25. With no time left on the clock Berrien kicked the extra point snatching the last minute win from the jaws of the Tribe.

This is absolutely the best game the Indians have played in the last two years. Big Red is Back!

Come on out and support the Tribe on Friday night as they take on the Portal Panters in Ocilla at 7:30. Catch the Radio show on 98.5 and streaming at www.irwincountyindians.com