Georgia Public Broadcasting presents the 2007 Georgia High School Association football semifinal.

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Live inside the big tough the Georgia Dome.

It's a single semifinal between Clinch County and the Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs and it's game two of ten this weekend, all live right here on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

The HCI and Clinch County nations have arrived here to Atlanta and it should be a dynamite showdown at high noon.

Good afternoon, everybody.

I'm Gil Tyree, alongside me here today, Mark Lassiter.

And when you take a look at what's going on, Mark, this is an outstanding match up here on GPB.

And outstanding match up.

Gil and we're at the Elite Classification level, so let's go ahead and give these teams and eight for effort because what they lack in numbers they make up for effort because these teams have players, they have to play both ways and play both ways effectively.

When you take a look at Clinch County, they know their way here to the Georgia Dome.

They've been here six out of the last seven years, Mark Lassiter, and they are led by the sophomore quarterback, then Tobias Cooper.

And Travis Cooper is the leader of that offense.

But you say that big things come in small packages.

Cooper is only five nine, but he holds the school passing records he throws for 50% completion rating this season.

And what's scary is he's only a sophomore.

How about on defense?

On defense, they're led by their linebacker, Johnson, who has been playing all season on a tender ankle.

But you wouldn't know it by his effort.

He is one of the emotional leaders on this team and one of the few returning upperclassmen on defense.

I look to him for leadership.

And of course, you see Ben Johnson right there.

He's had 56 tackles and of course, eight sacks.

In the meantime, Jim DICKERSON has done an outstanding job with this football team, 12, two and one in the playoffs.

And of course, they come in here red hot and they look to bring that title to Clinch County this season.

In the meantime, let's take a look at the Emmanuel County Institute Bulldogs.

Emmanuel County.

Now, this is not a typo on your screen about their running back.

Do you have a running back averaging 11 yards per carry.

He's in the process of breaking all the records held by Herschel Walker from the University of Georgia.

That's their running back.

Eli It begins and ends with him on offense.

And then you look, it was John Lee up close and personal.

And I'll tell you what, you hear a lot of great things about this football player comparisons that you talked about, Mark, to the great Herschel Walker out of Johnson County.

And of course, Wrightsville did great things at the University of Georgia.

And I've even heard comparisons to the former Buford standout Darius Walker.

In the meantime on defense.

Mark Flood.

Mark flights are hitting machine almost 150 tackles for the season flight is the leader on defense.

He's very mobile very impressive linebacker not a big guy but you can expect to see him in the backfield.

He has a six to go with it.

And their coach Bob Mullen Turner and what he's what a job he's done in three seasons down that he's back to back undefeated seasons and it's our time now to approach the coach.

Offensively.

We are based out of a wing T formation.

We're led this year by our sophomore quarterback, Michael Robinson, who's done a wonderful job, really mature this year as a quarterback, really blessed in the backfield to have the state's leading touchdown record holder with Sean Ealy, who's a very talented young man.

So obviously he's a feature in our offense, really blessed to have a great offensive line.

Those guys have done a great job all year opening the holes for that rushing attack, so we're excited about that.

Defensively, we based out of our 50 front heart rate and defense, try to do a good job, obviously stopping the run first and then try not to give up the big play, which would be big this weekend.

Matt, let's go downstairs to the third member Brock Drew here this afternoon on GPP.

Lisa Wise Good afternoon, ladies.

Good afternoon.

Now this matchup promises to be a good one.

Klitschko County lost their first two games of the season and went on to win 11 straight PCI.

They've lost just one game in the past two years and both these coaches know they had their work cut out for them today.

Now, Coach DICKERSON told me that ECI has been the big bad wolf in single-A all season and he's hurt other players and coaches refer to them as the greatest show on earth.

And after watching footage of their games, he said he could not agree with that more, especially when it comes to his shot.

Eli He said that kid is the real deal and their goal here today is not to stop him because you can there just help.

But it's slow down.

And Gil, Coach DICKERSON also said that he hopes Eli doesn't have his greatest game ever against them.

Here today at the Dome.

This is Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Your PBS station.

All right.

You see the two teams coming out on the football field here at the Georgia Dome.

And I'll tell you what, Mark Lester.

It is nothing like the excitement of a semifinal playoff football game.

Nothing like the excitement.

The adrenaline's flowing.

You had that time to prepare.

For this game of an abbreviated time because of the previous game.

But the team that.

Comes out sometimes with the quickest start is a team that can take an early advantage.

So we'll see if this wake up call works for one of these teams.

But I'll tell you what, every wake up call came.

But what about 634?

Both in football teams buzzing, making the.

Long trip up to Atlanta.

You see Jim DICKERSON, the coach at Clinch County, and of course, what an outstanding job he's done.

Man, veteran guy.

He believes in the good things about high school football.

Welcome to JP Beams coverage of the semifinals and single-A kickoff and goes out of bounds and it will be taken by Emmanuel County.

And of course I'll tell you what Mark, I'm really looking forward to seeing this kid play today.

And you're talking about L.A. but Clinch County will happen football first and then Octavius Cooper.

You see the numbers on the screen and of course, the sophomore.

And they will take over first and ten, five energetic crowd here in the Georgia Dome here this afternoon.

Out of the shotgun is Cooper straight drop back out of the right flat pass is complete to Dominique Ellis.

He goes up to about the 24.

You see the starting lineup and how they match up for Clinch County on offense.

Edwards for Eagle told the cross and the center James Pass and of course the offense the running back likely the wide receiver Dorsey Denmark and Ellis second and three for the Twins county team going.

Here at the Georgia Dome this afternoon.

The handoff straight ahead to Ronnie Hill.

A gain of about two.

Ronnie Hill's outstanding two, Mark Lassiter.

You see the defense for easy.

I talked about it up top defense that gets after it.

And of course, the linebacker slot that we focused in on earlier he headlines the defense and you see the secondary.

Third and one.

For Clinch County, a scoreless ballgame.

You just joined us here on GPB straight ahead.

That is Cooper and Mark, it look like he got close to the first down.

Looks like he will have it.

Gil Glades County comes into the game this afternoon with a very balanced offense, coming in with a total of 3540 yards, 667 on the ground and 1778 through the air.

So it's a nice blend, if you will, on offense.

First down for Klink's count, even Tobias Cooper under center out of the shotgun here, looks into the flap complete to Marquise Hunt, incomplete, I should say, the great play by number for Donte Richards, for SCIRI to break up that pass play.

Donte Richards was right on the spot to take a possible carom off the pass that was thrown a little bit high.

But the 25 yard line.

He constantly see the numbers on the Redskins, second and ten for.

Clicks, count it COOPER straight drop back under pressure the ball is incomplete to Carlos likely and again it looks like early on Mark that Cooper has plenty of time.

They give him time out of the shotgun and he's been able to deliver.

But unfortunately, his receivers can hold the football.

Also, what you notice about Cooper very early, Gil, he has a quick release, able to throw the ball without setting his feet.

That time he took a three step drop and threw off the back that pedal up his back foot.

Third down and ten for Clinch County.

At their own 28 Cooper.

Again.

Back to pass under pressure gets outside looks to the middle of the field complete to Carlos quickly ahead and it looks like it's up at the 45 mark.

Big Richard Sapp was the first player.

They had pressure for ECI.

It simply couldn't wrap up.

Quarterback took off down the sideline picks up a nice first down for Blitz County.

Take a look at it again flushed outside wide it's Cooper looks over the middle finds his man there and likely and locally Gordon what the stick.

First and ten for Clayton County.

At their own 48. Cooper whistles from now Boston.

On offense five yards first time you're looking you notice right off the top Collins likes to give a lot of looks on offense on the previous play had four wide receivers two to each side giving their quarterback Cooper a lot of potential targets.

There you see the list of officials, Arthur Williams, who will head this crew here this afternoon.

A great crew, I may add.

And the Capital City Officials Association.

First in 15 for Clinch County, a scoreless ballgame.

As we just started this here in the Georgia Dome.

We're glad to have you go.

Tyree, Mark Lassiter and Lisa Weise.

Cooper Straight drop back.

Looks long over the middle.

Incomplete intended receiver Carlos likely at midfield.

Second pass for 18 delivered by Cooper right on the money likely was turning to his quarterback at about the 45 yard line ball was in excellent position simply went right through his hands.

You got to hang on to those those passes.

I'll tell you what, because Cooper, he has been delivering the football mark.

The guys just have not been holding on.

That's what I was pleased with.

The guys come back to the hole.

Just good.

Next step.

Second and 15 for Clinch County at their own 38 Cooper in the shotgun.

Barking signals fakes the handoff and looks the option the pitch outside to dominate Dallas dominate Dallas pushed out.

At the 47 yard line it appears close to midfield.

Mark Cooper did an excellent job of making the pitch at the perfect time.

Makes the ball fake, comes down the sideline, makes the pitch in a perfect spot to pick up almost enough yards for a first down will say it's coming about 37 I should say.

West Womack on the tackle that was a high snap great recognition by Cooper to get that picked out third and seven for Clinch County they're closing in at midfield out of the shotgun is Cooper high snap again.

The handoff surrounding Hill and he's stopped dead in his tracks it appeared like he got no game Mark.

He just ganged up in the middle of that play led by big number 73.

Corey Todd now caught Todd is 6 to 3 point will make a little mental note because he also holds plays it goes both ways offense and defense.

How to bring in a punting situation for Clinch County Deep for ECI.

I will be look holy Gordon he's back at his own 25 Kentavious Cooper will punt scoreless football game here at the Georgia Dome single-A semifinal place County and ECI.

The punt is high.

And over and it goes out of bounds at about the ECI, 40 or 30, I should say about the 3840 142.

We'll get it right.

Mark Lasseter We'll get it right.

Speaking of getting it right, Gil, the player to watch is number three question.

We talked about him briefly in the pre-game.

He's the man.

Michael Robinson under center 40 C. Emanuel County Institute.

The handoff straight ahead and that's our man easily gets over midfield into Clinch County Territory at the Clinch County 40 5:00 down.

By Brandon Richardson.

So you come into the game averaging 11 yards per carry and on the first run you surpass your average for the season.

That time a nice 13 yard pickup by Easley and.

Look at him hurdle great size great vision you can't teach.

That let's just go ahead and call him the package size speed elusiveness what's on Eli.

First down and ten.

For ECI in Twiggs County territory the handoff again to elite space gets down to about the 41 but.

You see the offensive line for you see these are the guys who blow it up for Haley and they're doing a good job so far.

Todd Turner And you see the other you see the Alien tailback, cross fullback, Lee, the wing back and of course Gordon, the wide receiver and branch, the tight end.

Second down and seven for ECI they get to number 21.

Nick Cross gets deeper inside of Clinch County Territory down to about three Clinch County 35.

You see the Clinch County Defense, the names on your screen.

Johnston, of course, is the guy we focused in on earlier, and he anchors that defense.

And you see the linebackers for Clinch County.

And then there's this secondary first down and ten for MCI full back field.

And again, straight ahead, it's Nick Cross.

Mark Gill.

As you know, every super hero needs some theme music.

That theme music is provided in the middle by big number 64.

Kody Brunet, he's the Center for ECI, the player they like to run behind.

On second down and eight for ECI.

We're early here in the single semifinal, game two of ten on GPP from the Georgia Dome, Robertson goes to number 23, San Quinn's lead spinning dragon people deeper inside the clinch to quiet down about 10 to 22.

Trey Richardson on the tackle along with James Edwards.

Gayle, you've been around enough football to know that offensive linemen love to run block.

You can see the ECI offensive line.

Just get out and get downfield.

You see players five yards downfield throwing blocks.

That's a good sign.

Blowing up people.

You see the numbers there on Sam Wesley, the senior DCI with big football.

First and ten drop back goes Robertson looking long Jump ball intercept it down at the one yard line picked off by Dominique Ellis and.

Robertson kind of lap it up.

There, Mark and you could see him stop off the field right after that ball was intercepted.

He turns has a man open, but as you can see, the air under the ball thrown downfield at the goal line and intercepted right there at the one by Collins County.

The intended receiver was Pat Brandt's and of course, excellent coverage by Dominique Ellis.

So a first turnover, this football game turnovers loom large early in our game one and Wilcox game.

And I'll tell you what they may loom large right now Clinch County with the football deep in their own territory a scoreless football game here on GPB, a handoff to Ronnie Hill who gets a little daylight.

Not much, but some breathing room Mark.

Kind of a good news, bad news situation for ECI.

Bad news was they had the interception.

The good news is it's an opportunity for their defense to hold Clinch County on this end of the field.

Kentavious Cooper leading his team up at the line of scrimmage under center.

Whistles look like Pat Branch lined up at outside linebacker for ECI took that step and it was kind of interesting once he took that step into the backfield he just froze, hoping that nobody would see offense five yards second down.

It's going to be mostly false.

Start and you don't like those type of penalties.

But you know, a lot of that is you're deep in your territory.

The crowd noise you got to make some adjustments.

Mark And up these two teams you know coming up here kind of get a feel of what goes on.

You know, Clinch County knows it plays time up in this football game.

Also, you can see Gilt Field position really dictating the play calls from deep in their own territory.

We have a scoreless football game.

We'll be back with more from the Georgia Dome after these important messages on GPB.

We're back here at the Georgia Dome and of course, Gil Tyree, along with Mark Lassiter and Lisa Weise, doing outstanding work downstairs to bring you some of the pictures of the second game of ten here at the Georgia Dome and of course, Cook County and the Honors College football game.

Our class clues county with an opportunity.

This game has really flown by in the first quarter.

We're already past the five minute mark.

If you just joined us.

Like I said, we have a scoreless football game place county with the football by virtue of a turnover.

COOPER Straight back looking love on the right sidelines and it's incomplete.

The intended receiver Dominique Ellis on the right side just had it and lost it.

At the last second.

Michael Robertson might have got a hand in on that ball.

Or.

Blocked the vision just enough to prevent that reception from ground level floats.

Keep his hand away the way right there.

You know, you're looking at it.

I mean, you've got to catch that football mark.

It's third and eight for Clinch County teams, kind of deep in their own territory back in the end zone.

Cooper looking long throws wide receiver intended receiver again Dominic Ellis.

ELLIS That time was working against Kyle Morris, who really took a very deep drop.

So there was about five yards of separation.

Ball was just thrown outside and incomplete.

Keep bringing up this punting situation.

A punting situation indeed.

Mark Lassiter for Clinch County.

And that would appear that ECI could have a short field because those Clinch County is going to have to punt out of their own end zone.

And Michael Gordon back to receive this punt for ECI.

He set.

Up this 35 yard line.

And like I said, it's a short field.

The punt by Cooper.

Taken by what Carley Gordon tries to duke his way, knocked out of bounds.

And that's inside of the 35 yard line.

It's down to about 233 of Clinch County.

It's viewers like you that help make great local programs like these high school football games possible.

On GPB To show your support, simply call one of the numbers on your screen right now or visit our website at w w w dot GPB dot org backslash support and thank you for supporting Georgia Public Broadcasting and what ECI and Clinch County ECI with the football straight ahead is its best shot and nothing Mark.

Lester excellent tackle by Sam Talbot right in the middle.

He's a freshman for Blitz County.

They did an excellent job of wrapping up.

As soon as he made contact.

That will bring up a second down and ten.

A scoreless football game here in the Georgia Dome guilt.

Tyree, Mark Lassiter and Lisa Williams, glad to have you with us this afternoon.

The handoff again in the alley.

Over the 38 side of the 30 down to about the 26.

We've been gushing over Eli's stats.

But one thing you notice, Gil, about his technique, he's a very decisive runner.

Once he makes up his mind where the hole is, he doesn't second guess himself.

He hits it and he hits it hard.

And he's a junior and he has another year to go.

And I'm very impressed with his stats here this afternoon, third and five for ECI.

Hands off again, Eli.

A hole spinning down to about the clinch Kelly 22, Dominique Ellis and Trey Richardson on the tackle.

Now, here's the interesting thing about that run.

There really wasn't much space there.

Eli takes the handoff and really does the work.

Get in contact early and fighting through two tackles.

That's a first in ten for ECI, driving to break a scoreless football game here at the Georgia Dome.

You see, we're counting down early, late, I should say, here in the first quarter.

ROBERTSON They go again to early.

It's really interesting what Isaiah is doing.

There are no wide receivers.

They're lining up and saying, we're coming at you.

If you can stop it, come on and try.

We got the big guy back here in the backfield and we're inside the 20.

They're inside the red zone.

So they're telling you what's coming and daring you to stop it.

See Mahlon Turner, what a job he's done at ECI.

And I'll tell you what.

Back to back undefeated seasons and his team dropping right now against opponents counting the handoff to books.

Kirkland and Kirkland inside the 15 of Clinch County, Wade Cobb on the tackle, Michael Roberts.

It did an excellent job of carrying through the ball fake on that previous play maybe with thoughts of setting it up further down the line.

Coaches love when quarterbacks execute their ball fakes all the way.

Third and a short two for ECI at the Clinch County 14 straight ahead.

That's elite leg drive push.

It's close to the first down marker.

Interestingly about it, Gil, it's not the big runs that are impressive.

Sometimes it's those runs for two or three yards where there's absolutely nothing there that are just as impressive.

That's on Eli straight up the middle and picks up the first down on individual effort.

First and goal for ECI.

And we're winding down here in the first quarter, a fast moving first quarter here at the Georgia Dome, a single semifinal, fake handoff, 23 saying Wesley gets outside and further into Clinch County Territory.

Wade Cobb on the tackle.

Tremendous ball fake by Michael Roberson That time with the two running backs crossing from ground level The trigger racing from field level picks up considerable yards inside the five yard line.

And we've Cobb with the tall tackle we got a timeout in this football game Clinch County but Akers drive and you see the crowd here on hand at Georgia Dome and what a big one, an experience, Mark Lassiter for these kids and these families who made the long trip up to Atlanta here today.

You take a look at the upcoming games here on GPB.

We have a full slate later today, 3:00 Carver against Chamblee and of course, that should be an outstanding game at the Georgia Dome, the Bulldogs and Tigers.

And what a fine first day tonight.

Everybody's talking about this one, Tucker and Northside, a battle of undefeated teams that should be part of the night program at the Georgia Dome.

And that should be a headline of a great, great night at 9:00.

Thomas County Central, the Yellowjackets.

And of course, we're counting the gators and that should be an even better game in the class for a what a list of great games here on GPB.

Mark Larson This is one of those days, Gil.

If you're a real football fan, you just pack a big lunch and you camp out at the dome all day.

You've got five games back to back to back to back.

You see that nervousness of Millen Turner on the sidelines and of course, his team driving right now.

And they are about two or three yards from drawn.

First blood here at the Georgia Dome, Clinch County and Emmanuel County.

Second and goal.

For the Bulldogs straight ahead it's Eli is he and he is touchdown ECI and Chris.

Smooth Indiana number 57 head contact that about the one and went for a ride about three yards deep into the end zone for the first score by ECI.

Low hits it on for the extra point for the Bulldogs to make it a seven nothing count late here in the first quarter snap up kick up.

And straight through It's good seven nothing Bulldogs.

Take a look at it Mark.

Lassiter Nothing fancy.

Nothing fancy at all.

Just like a ton.

Facemask right there but not you see the play?

Look at it.

Leg drive.

Leg drive.

And guys pushing to get him in.

Set up that entire series.

Gill as ECI got the ball with excellent field position, they took away the receivers totally out the offense and just said, Here's the big guy coming at you, see if you can stop him.

And unbelievable talent.

And he's been very impressive so far.

You know, he's a football player because he goes to the sideline, he leaves his helmet on seven nothing.

Courtesy Emmanuel County.

What a touchdown run and what a great drive.

And we talked about it that short field mark and they were able to work it and burn off some clock that branch will kick off for he sky deep for clinch County Carlos likely kick taken by Dominique Ellis.

And what a hit one oh hit.

That was Dexter Moody on the crunch.

Also give credit to 51 Robyn Newkirk who was the first player downfield in coverage and really forced that play back towards the middle of the field, allowing his teammate to clean up at about the 18 yard line.

So Clinch County will take over the football.

You see the scoring drive capped by the six yard run by the phenomenal tailback, which John Elway first and ten for the Panthers out of the shotgun is Cooper straight drop back looking long under pressure trying to get outside instead of 15.

Lobs it over to Dominic Ellis he stood midfield pushed out of bounds inside of ECI territory at the 42.

Macaulay Gordon broke that play up but great again Cooper's ability Mark Larson ad lib and make things.

Happen now you don't win.

Tobias Cooper's dad was a point guard on the state championship basketball team.

Watch the jump shot as he goes to the sideline to be a sideline and makes the completion.

His dad was a ball world shortstop, right point guard and the starting quarterback on the state championship team it was.

One of those Tim Tebow ad lib lobs.

So we will see that play happen.

The DNA is in the house.

That will set up a first down for points.

Got it inside.

And ECI territory for the first time this afternoon.

Cooper again expects trouble.

He's still at 35 to 30, still on his feet to the 25.

That's it.

He may go does it Touchdown flags on the play That's 30.

Seven yards for the touchdown And what a play by Mr. Cooper who's in the house the fake and look at this tucks that football in and Mark Lassiter it's a foot race after that.

Cooper runs a for 640 but right at the end of that play a little bit of mustard on the hot dog.

They'll take it wow.

Unsportsmanlike on offense the film the ball will be assessed on the kickoff touchdown pass.

Here you go with the celebration.

Mark Lassiter, it is going to hurt him on the kickoff.

But you know what?

They'll take it.

They'll take it first time in the dome.

Sometimes that adrenaline gets flowing a little bit high.

You can't blame high school, at least for loving the atmosphere and sometimes getting carried away.

COOPER That time doing it on his own and scoring two touchdowns now.

Illegal substitution on offense, five.

Yards replay down.

Another penalty called illegal substance of substitution.

Mark Lassiter Now this extra point, Gil, turns into an interesting call.

It is now a 15 yard field goal.

Anthony McNeil will attempt it.

It's good we're tied here.

At the Georgia Dome.

One more.

15 is Cooper with the ball fake looking downfield and decides I have 246 feet I've got the ball I'm going to take it down the sideline and get the six myself.

And then the dove in the end zone, the exclamation mark and the penalty flags.

We've come out after that.

But like I said, Mark, hey, they'll take it.

Penalty will be assessed on the kickoff.

So again the could have a short field mark Lassiter.

You talk about styles making fights the Clinch County offense, which is really a run and pass offense, they had to score in that situation because S.I.

with their running game really was dominated the clock and time of possession.

Two plays in 82 yards.

And then you saw the elapsed time, just 38 seconds, capped by the run by Cooper.

And we got a tie ballgame, folks, at the Georgia Dome.

And I'll tell you what, Mark, again, we set this game up early in terms of what we're going to see.

And clearly the stars have come out.

Should be a fun contest all afternoon.

Give this interesting kickoff formation.

To our left by blitz County.

They had everybody in the huddle kind of getting it.

To a little bit of a little dance move before they take this one off.

Ronnie Hill.

We'll kick off for Clinton County Deep to receive.

14 timer and wash out dele for DCI to talk get the up man is taken by Dexter Moody.

He gets outside and it look like mark they tried to get the onside kick.

It was a short kick.

There's another flag.

Also, Gil, at about the 36 yard line has that ball was kicked.

You could see the team score it out as well.

And that is just a sign that the kicker just not did not get his foot in the position.

He wanted an extremely short kick.

We'll sort this one out after the penalty call.

After the run back for the foul on the.

Way to.

15 yards playing first down.

After the celebration penalty Gil despite the second penalty, ECI still has relatively decent field position going.

At the business.

At the 39 yard line.

He's here with the football.

There's Italy again.

Skips over to the 45 close the midfield at the 48 Taylor Denmark on the tackle.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Gil Tyree along with Mark Lassiter.

And Lisa, we've seen the start of the second quarter and what shapes up to be a dynamite football game.

We've seen everything and more Mark Lassiter.

This year with a slightly different wrinkle.

This time field wide receiver Michael.

Robertson fakes the pitch.

They go inside and across.

He's close to midfield for ECI.

Now a77 football game here in game two of ten on GPB.

Eli used as the decoy for circling out of the backfield to the right.

Gil Tyree, along with Mark Lassiter, Lisa Weast on the sidelines.

Glad to have you with us here in Atlanta.

Doles in the Dome, Mark Lester.

All day drills in the dome.

A weekend full of drills in the dome, measurements coming out right now.

That's a first down for ECI.

Through the beauty of this football festival, Gil, is if you're tuning in and you like football, if you love football, no matter where you are in the Atlanta area, you can stop what you're doing and make it here in time for a game.

Right.

And if you're not if you're on the World Wide Web, you can listen in to we're glad to have you with us here today.

That's really outside of midfield shakes off a tackling inside the.

Fence got to kind of territory down pass the 45 to the 44 like I said you can live stream on football games at WW W dot GP B Dawgs football.

Taylor Denmark was trying to get a hand around Ely as he was fighting to the sideline, really struggling with that tackle.

We're going to sort out the penalty call as the referees are on the far sideline huddle.

But discussing this one.

Right now, one more look.

The preliminary indication is a facemask against ECI, which I think is an interesting and surprising call.

But as it stands, they're going to pull that one back.

Got to look at my line turns the foul is Matt on offense 15 yards replay first down it's coach Turner first and 19 for his bulldogs at their own 40.

Four house backfield for the Bulldogs the fake pitch and the handoff.

And Clint's counting was having nothing of it.

That was to Nick Cross.

No game.

Once again, Gill ECI trying to set up the outside run with a quick hitter up the middle, but give credit to Collins County, middle of their defense.

One of the few times they've been able to stop easy action, no game.

Seven seven football game second quarter to the time on the clock second down 18 for DCR Robertson straight back by flips has his receiver Macauley Gordon He splits his defenders.

Down to about the Clinch County 43.

Tremendous play call as Collins County was keeping their linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage.

You see, I had the perfect play call to the outside, making the catch and almost enough to pick up a first down coming off a first and deep.

Now comes up with a third in about two.

And Colley with the rack run after catch.

Handoff straight ahead to cross deeper gets over the 40 down to about 436.

Of Clinch County.

Jaycee linear number 65 back into the game for ECI he's six three £320.

He's wearing number 65.

Ben Johnston on the tackle for Clinch County First and ten for the Bulldogs.

Lanier is at.

Left tackle Robertson under center.

The pitch that's a threat is down.

To about the Clinch County 30.

Can you say Pancake with Cobb.

On a stop.

Just as linear comes into the game?

He's a player responsible for the seal black on the outside he's working gets number two Kyle Morris Morris was coming in from the defense in position and wound up with his numerals on the turf.

That'll bring up a second and a short three.

You see the pitch elite with the ability to get outside.

He runs between tackles, gets outside.

And I'll tell you what, like I said, he's as an impressive performer.

As I've seen all year.

It's a hand off again his loud and that led.

Just continues there pound away he's seen again milking the clock Brandon Richardson and Dominique Ellis on the tackle for Blitz County.

An interesting point goal I think the only question about Beal if he's going to be the future back in this offense is the question of his durability.

Once we get into the fourth quarter as the feature back, he's going to have to carry a lot of this load during this game because ECI is really not passing at all.

But in talking to Coach Turner, he'll tell you he's a hard worker he's a fighter.

He's great and has a great leg drop.

And we've seen all that this afternoon.

ROBINSON Outside the fake pitch is 2 to 20.

Inside the 15 down to about to Clinch County ten.

Brandon Richardson on the tackle.

For Clinch County and again Mark Glass it is ball control drive by the Bulldogs very impressive Robertson outside sets tacklers and continues to work his way He's down to about the clinch County 11.

Give credit downfield to number 34 Ramon Sanford throwing a block 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, allowing his quarterback to pick up another five.

First and ten for ECI.

They're driving against Cowlitz County seven seven ballgame second quarter if you just joined us the handoff still fighting for yards inside the ten down to about the seven nothing cross.

Nothing fancy once again for ECI Gill they're just lining it up, keeping it in between the tackles for the most part, and allowing that offensive line due to work up front.

Second down and six for ECI.

Emmanuel County Institute.

That's Robertson to call spinning going nowhere.

Maybe lost a yard or two.

Excellent surge by Clinch County on that last play led by number 57.

Chris Hoppy out of a name we've mentioned from time to time I'll be out of really has responsibility makes the penetration and wraps up gets in on the tackle.

Third and six for DCR drive and deep into Clinch County Territory.

You see the Clinch County faithful who come here to Atlanta today to root on their Panthers whistle and flag preliminary signal motion against CCI that'll back them up some more.

Mark Lassiter one thing you see with a run oriented offense.

Gill Once again, the time is flying by.

We're inside of 7 minutes to go in the second quarter.

Both these teams have been moving the football on the ground.

You see the penalties.

Clinch County five for 28, easy out three for 3530 to 11 for the Bulldogs.

Robertson the state looking long in the end zone touchdown West Womack he was wide.

Open Mark Lassiter had plenty of time Works well on the sprint out with the ad lib and Womack was there for the touchdown.

Excellent job on the ball fake found the receiver clearing at the back of the end zone It's a ball fake sets up takes his time plants and throws a beautiful pass right in front of the post.

Well Henson on for the extra point and.

It gets their 14 seven ECI And again Mark Lassiter what Akers been able to do we're getting a little bit of run I mean a lot of run but passing in critical situation and they've been able to catch him excellent look for the end zone.

Passing effectively and a very accurate throw kind of catching blitz county off guard well, taking the big guy.

Exactly.

And you know what that's doing?

That means they're selling that run all afternoon long and the passing game is wide open and they're taking advantage of it in the right situations.

It's been a tremendous game so far at the single-A level.

We talked about the quantities of players on both teams.

No question what these rosters really have fewer than 50 players.

Well, but they load up on the linemen and expect these players to go both ways.

So give credit to the offensive line, because a lot of these offensive linemen have been playing on defense as well.

And Mark Lassiter, let's take a look at the enrollment.

CCI has enrollment of about 300 and Clinch County is enrollment close to 500, about 40, 75.

You can find size enrollment.

It's a maybe one or two sections of the Georgia Dome.

Right.

You see.

The scoring drive, 11 plays, 48 yards elapsed up 5 minutes and, 36 seconds, burned a lot off the clock capped by the touchdown Obama and we have a 14 seven ballgame seesaw back and forth second quarter Emanuel County over Clinch County.

Collins Leslie takes the it it's a quick ball spins gets over the 20 to about the 22 brought down by.

The aforementioned Mr. Wabbit.

He said I scored a touchdown and I'm like, I'm going to make a tackle.

On the ensuing kickoff.

This is a level of football, Gil, where players just have a tremendous amount of heart because it is more than a notion to play both ways.

America so excited about being here, you know, I mean, both of these teams arrived here yesterday making the long trip up Kentavious Cooper out of the shotgun for Coach Carney first and ten.

For the Panthers at their own 21. COOPER The handoff to Rodney Hill.

Ronnie Hill scoots up to about the 23.

And knifing tackled that time by Mark not one of the players we featured off the top.

He's one of the leading tacklers in flat wearing number 47 Jason Reed and got to tackle.

Chad Turner on the tackle Gil Tyree Mark Lassiter Lisa weeks here at the Georgia Dome this afternoon the second of ten semifinals here in the great state of Georgia.

High school football.

We're glad to have you.

Second and eight for Clinch County.

Kentavious Cooper out of the shotgun straight drop back looks over the middle incomplete.

The intended receiver Dominique Ellis.

Give credit and coverage to Akeem Tarver for ECI turning at about the 42 yard line.

Got a hand in on the pass, attempted right at the middle of the field.

And you got those three wideouts.

And of course, the defense that he's playing right now, it's almost saying, listen, dare you to throw because we have his speed and we're going to shut you down.

Well, as you mentioned, built a four man front for ECI with the five defensive backs.

Third and 80.

Four points counting Cooper to pass him situation had his receiver over the middle Taylor Denmark and he dropped it Oh.

They had the play call seems to be rushing the pass just a hair it was delivered right about the knee is a catchable ball but as it stands we'll bring up a third and long call and an important call as we're under 6 minutes to play in the second quarter, four points county.

Mark Lester have you ever seen a fast moving football game?

Witness this one scooting right long.

Like Holly Gordon Whoa and receive the punt and of course then Tobias Cooper will punt punts at his own ten high end over in punt it goes out of bounds and HCI will take over close to midfield.

Once again.

Tremendous field position on the drive start for Isaiah they'll go into business Brad about the 45 of Clinch County.

And we've talked about it today Mark, about the ability of ECI to use that short field.

Well.

Make the, you know, take advantage of it.

And they've done that excellent point.

If you have a running game, that's a Christmas gift in advance.

We're back here at the Georgia Dome.

Guilty, along with Mark Glass there and Lisa Weise, our score 14 seven ECI.

What has been a very entertaining football game so far is the ad with the football and the handoff to Brooks Kirkland.

And he gets nowhere.

In fact, maybe have lost a few Chris Cooper piano with the tackle so you can watch this live on the world wide web right now at w w w Dutch GP Dawgs football.

And I'm sure there are many people streaming us worldwide.

Mark Lassiter They may not be here in the Georgia Dome, but they are here in Spirit V at the World Wide Web.

Great vehicle to have as a part of the broadcast.

No question.

Aunts and uncles, gran, pops, grandma sticking out there.

The young'uns today, the handoff.

And that's an open hole.

And that is Mr. Haley.

And he's gone.

Touchdown!

46.

Yards.

Wow.

Now.

Gil, you next.

Gil, at halftime, the ECF Ben is going to do a tribute to favorite son, James Brown.

He's coming to.

Words of The Godfather.

So he'll he's got it in his pants and he needs to dance this down to the day.

I love it Marc year and you see the reaction of number three.

The extra point Will Henson will attempt it I snap.

And it gets there good 21 to 7 HCI flexing their muscles big time 435 As we approach half time.

Eli showing why he's a leading touchdown maker in Georgia high school history make that number 51 on the season Herschel had 47.

The speed, the decisiveness and the ability to get into the open field and nobody's going to catch him.

We talked about the comparisons to date dubby and of course, out of Johnson County went to Wrightsville and of course, a great career at the University of Georgia.

And again, the comparisons to the Darius Walker, the former star at Buford, you see the scoring drive capped by the 46 yard run by Mr. Haley.

And again, we talked about that short field mark last year to plays.

46 yards.

You see his numbers, 11 rushes closing in on the century mark and already two touchdowns.

And still, let's be clear about one thing with the single-A.

Classification level, but Mr. Ely could do what he's doing at the five eight level.

He's a football player.

And what was Mr. Walker when he came out?

Johnson County, correct.

Wrightsville one a Okay.

Doesn't matter what level of classification.

The fact is this kid has some talents.

He has great talent and he's proven it here this afternoon.

That branch will kick off races.

Enjoy a 21 to 7 lead over Clinch County.

The kick taken by Taylor Dunbar scoops up to the 20 to the 25 and brought down.

So Clinch County has some work to do.

Kentavious Cooper and Company down 14 as we approach halftime 21 seven it'll be first and ten for the Panthers.

Clint's strategy is very simple with under 5 minutes to go in this first half, they love nothing better than to get some type of score on the board before halftime.

So the playcalling is going to be interesting.

You would be surprised to see that four wide receiver set once again, they've been using all afternoon with two wide receivers set to either.

Side trying to spread you out that spread offense.

And of course, Cooper runs it.

He's out of the shotgun first and ten for the Panthers of Clinch County, down 21 seven to sky high snap pressure in the flat to Carlos likely sheds a tackler scoots up to about the 36 that's close to a first down mark last.

Place county's had a lot of success Gill with that pass into the flat and really allowing their wide receivers to do the work nothing fancy trying to get the ball about five yards beyond the line of scrimmage and hopefully picking up the run after the catch for the first downs.

Gain of about 9/2 and one for Clinch County down 21 to 7, the ECI under 4 minutes to go until halftime.

Cooper out of the shotgun takes it himself straight ahead to the 45 close to midfield at about the 48 are team Tarver what the tackle for ECI.

Clinch County on that previous play use their outside receivers as decoys.

Once the play was started they took a two count before they even left the line of scrimmage, they turned into blocking backs and allowed their quarterback to do the work.

Out and that was a first down for Clinch County, as Mark Lassiter just astutely brought out.

And viewers like you that help make great local programs like these high school football games possible on Jeopardy!

To show your support, simply call one of the numbers on your screen right now or visit our website at W WW GPB brought back slides, support and thank you for supporting Georgia Public Broadcasting to see the fans that have journeyed up.

Like I said to Atlanta, part of what is an outstanding weekend of high school football here in the great state of Georgia.

It's what you get when you drive up to the Georgia Dome today and you see all the busses lined up outside.

It just kind of gets you going because, you know, this is the biggest weekend of the year for these fans that have followed these students.

These students since August and through their football career.

So this becomes a highlight.

Well, I was talking to the folks down in Clinch County yesterday.

Everybody's off today.

Everybody's either up here or they're watching us on GPB 21 seven.

Their Panthers currently trailing the Bulldogs of ECI 329 As we approach half time guilty re Mark Lasseter and Lisa Weise, glad to have you with us today.

First and ten for the Panthers of Glades County.

They trailed by 14 COOPER Straight drop back looks over find his receiver and that is Marquise Hutton and he's down about to the SC 2627 yard line depending on the mark.

Mark Lasseter did a brilliant job of having the patience to find the seam in the drops between the linebackers and defensive backs.

Broke the play into the middle of the field right at about the 30 yard line, makes the catch.

Well tax on about a five additional yard.

A 26 yard grab by hunt.

One more look at it first and ten for the Panthers of Clinch County.

They trailed by 1421 seven whistles and flags.

Looks like motion.

Gill.

It's one thing for a wide receiver to run his patterns flat out all the time.

Quite another, quite another.

For a receiver to know how to adjust his game and speed and find the gaps in the defensive coverage.

You got to look at Coach DICKERSON.

Not too happy again.

The late penalty.

I don't make it a first and 15 now for the Panthers of clinch County down 14 Cooper looking to the right sideline has a man.

That is Denmark I mean lost the football he was hit and it's a turnover and it's recovered by West but what a day when the.

It gets had got a touchdown reception this was able to get a turnover.

Denmark the slot receiver that time takes the reception and takes a shot from Donte Richards He got Messi and Richards causes the fumble really was down on the field a little bit longer than you might like to have, but he was able to get back up.

But as it stands, ECI picks up on the turnover.

So ECI will take over.

That was a critical drive for Clinch County and those really, really hurt.

You drive and you got something going and then you cough it up.

And it plays into the hands of the ECI strategy because once again, they're going with almost a full house backfield showing run formation.

The ball recovered at the 26 so ECI will take over timeout ECF the Bulldogs take a timeout up 14 you see Coach Turner and we asked him earlier what is special about his team this year.

Well, the greatest thing about this year, you know, this this team and this season is that every day when I go to work, it's it's not a job.

It's it's a blessing.

It's a ministry.

What an opportunity to impact kids for for Jesus Christ.

And football is such a great platform to make a difference, not just in the lives of kids, but our community.

We've got a phenomenal community, great fan support, and this year's just been awesome.

We had a great summer, took our kids to SC, a team camp, and I think everything started there.

The kids came together, had a big impact on all of our lives and it just jump started this preseason.

It's just been a great ride all the way here to the Dome.

So it's currently a great ride for me and Turner.

And I'll tell you what, he sells faith, faith and football.

Mark Lassiter And it's working right.

He eats and brings it.

And the kids reflected first and Ted for ECI to hand off to Mr. O'Reilly he's across the 25 about to about the 27 Taylor Denmark on the tackle for the Panthers of Clinch County.

As the clock in the first half continues to run, Eli picks up a short yards on the game.

But as the workhorse ECI features him in these short yardage situations.

Second and eight for HCR Robertson, the handoff to Nick Cross.

He's over the 27, about to the 28.

That was a costly turnover.

Mark Larson There's the Clutch County they were driving.

They were approaching the red zone.

They've been struggling all afternoon trying to make the completion with.

Their wide receivers, they really have had three balls dropped and then you had the fumble on top of it.

So that'll be a correction they're going to talk about at halftime.

Third in a for ECI, Robertson rolls out look for his receiver almost a great grab bottle of Kyle Gordon had it lost it incomplete Gordon.

Was breaking free ever so slightly at the 40 yard line and tried to get that left hand up to make the reception came very close to making what would have been a tremendous catch on the roll out.

Some yellow laundry on the field holding on offense.

Canada Second quarter penalty against the sky decline by Clinch County.

Now they saw field position once again yeah the punt coming from right now looks to be maybe the ten yard line we've seen one drive started Gill where the punt was short easy I took advantage the return man for ECI was Shawn Ely.

He set up shop at about the 45 yard line.

Carlos likely receiving four to Clinch County and Will Henson will pump at his own 12.

High end over in punt likely just lost the football tried to grab it, lost it again and.

Recovers it, but loses yardage, backs him up all the way to the Clinch County 25 Pride of Our Nation, an episode from the film Epic The War airs this Sunday.

7 p.m. here on GPB.

Ken Burns It's a Ken Burns film, focuses on the stories of citizens from four American towns and their memories of the invasion of Europe in 1944.

That's Sunday, 7:00 right here on GPB.

21 seven ECI.

Over Clinch County, we approach halftime copper under trouble, look for his receiver throws incomplete.

The intended receiver Mark is on up and about the Clinch County 40.

First player in the backfield for ECI was big J the near 633 20 and once the pass was thrown to the 40 yard line, there was an easy sandwich point right there.

No question.

One on nine before halftime ECI over Clinch County, 21 seven Kentavious Koper out of the shotgun for the Panthers second and ten escapes trouble gets to the 25 loss it finds his receiver Ronnie Hill over the 40 pushed out of bounds close to the Clinch County 44 blue collar Gordon on the tackle Well Collie Gordon one of the most athletic teams was named most athletic for ECI.

Once again from ground level.

Right.

See the ball completed and to the sidelines once again watching Jaycee Linear did an excellent job with a rip.

He's wearing number 65 for ECI, lined up at left defensive end.

Under a minute to go before halftime first and ten for Clinch County as they approach midfield Cooper under trouble escapes looks long pass incomplete the intended receiver Carlos likely.

Easy as defensive backs doing an excellent job of reacting to the ball when it's in the air they're playing a zone coverage and Blitz County is finding it difficult to find open space probably in that area between 20 to 25 yards in a defensive backfield for.

Gill Tyree.

Mark Lassiter, Lisa Weise here at the Georgia Dome, game two of ten high school football semifinals here in the Georgia Dome second and ten for Clinch County.

At their own 45, Cooper escapes trouble by sideline, still into trouble, tries to set some tackler, skips and gets all the way up.

Loses yardage, but probably got it all back.

Mark Laster.

Once again, the big guy, Jaycee Linear, had him at about the 42 yard line, got a stop, and the quarterback was able to escape.

But once again, give credit to the zone coverage right by ECI.

There was no one open in the backfield.

Mark BLOCK All the tackle.

22 seconds to go.

The hurry up for Clinch County.

They're down 14. COOPER Looking to the right sidelines complete and let me run it another drop.

Marquise Hut had the football but as Mark Lassiter pointed out dropped it.

Guilt on my unofficial count that sport drops so far this afternoon for Clinch County.

12 ticks to go before halftime.

Clinch County down by 14.

You see the frustration on Vinton.

He is Cooper's face, the sophomore, the numbers this afternoon, the one touchdown rush for four rushes for 54 yards, put it in the air.

Six out of 18. Cooper is doing an excellent job of finding receivers.

They just have to do a better job of helping him out.

I'll tell you what, he's a marvelous talent, too.

And only a sophomore.

Unbelievable to see what he's going to be when he closes out his career.

Clinch County prior to the snap.

Delay league game.

On offense five.

Yards, fourth down.

That'll bring up a fourth and 14 as we talked about earlier, punting situation for clips county they going to let the clock run out they said stay away from the football and that's going to put an end to our first half.

And what an exciting first half we've had here so far.

Mark Laster 21 to 7 GCI over Clinch County.

Let's go downstairs now and Lisa Weise, Lee's Turner.

This first half, this first half, it's been a battle.

You're up by 14 points.

What do you tell your kids in the locker room to keep this intensity up?

Well, 14 points isn't enough to beat that team over there.

They're going to come out in the second half make great adjustments.

And, you know, we've got some breaks and we've got to just start making some better plays.

We gave up some plays defensively that are unacceptable.

Offensively, we've got to do a better job moving the chains at key times and, you know, late penalties, things like that, holding us back.

We just can't shoot ourselves in the foot.

We're going to have to come out in the second half like a00 because it's going to be a dogfight for that last 24 minutes.

All right, coach, thank you so much and good luck in the second half.

Welcome back to the Georgia Dome.

Gil Tyree, along with Mark Lassiter and Lisa Wiese, are half time scorer, Emanuel Counting Institute 21, Clinch County seven.

And I'll tell you what, what a wonderful football game we've seen already for two quarters.

Our halftime entertainment now by the Clinch County High School Band.

They Clinch County Band of Pride Panthers and of course, Mr. Avery Cooper, the band director.

Kristin Terrell, 47, and four runners, The Phantom of the Opera.

Let's listen in.

Ha ha ha ha.

The Clinch County Band of Pride and of course, their performance here at halftime, Phantom of the Opera.

What an outstanding performance here at halftime.

Now, let's go downstairs to the third member of our crew here today.

Lisa ways.

Lisa.

Thanks, Gail.

Joining me now is Avery Cooper, band director.

And what game about to do The Phantom of the Opera challenge?

We want to push our young students as much as possible.

And this is was a familiar thing that people can identify with, but at the same time, visually and musically challenges the way we want to be.

So how exciting is it for the band to also be here and get a chance to play right?

It's a birthright.

This is Clinch County we're talking about.

All right.

Year after year, this year, we kind of expect to be here at some point.

And it never gets old for them.

It's always an exciting time for us.

Now, do they get butterflies before the game or before they before the big show, like the players and the coaches do as well or you guys?

Yes, that's that's why we work as hard as we do.

Everybody's going to get butterflies from time to time.

But, you know, you just practice and you practice and you practice and whatever comes comes of that.

But through preparation.

Butterflies will not become a factor, just like in sports.

So you tell this to come out here and have fun.

Come out here and have fun.

But the preparation is there.

It won't be a problem.

Well, thank you so much for your time.

Thank you.

Gil had said it back to you.

Lisa Weise and Avery Cooper, we say you.

As the Clinch County Band of Pride continues to perform.

We'll be back with more of the halftime festivities here at the Georgia Dome.

Halftime score easy 21, Clinch County seven.

You're watching Georgia High School Football here on GPB.

This is Georgia Public Broadcasting, your PBS station.

We're back here at the Georgia Dome at halftime.

He's here 21 Clinch County seven.

And on the field right now, the NCAA football band, they're numbers of 31 and they have tribute now to the late James Brown.

Here's the MCI football band.

Let's listen in.

Lisa Weise, you got us very special guests.

It's all yours.

Joining me is James McBride, the band director for ECI.

So how exciting is this for you and your.

Band to be here?

Highlights of my year.

Highlights of my career.

It's really Rivals Cup Band Competition.

One of the finest things to do in band history in that career.

For me.

I couldn't help but notice you rocking out.

Are you a fan of James Brown?

I'm a fan of James Brown.

He was a guy in the band a lot of times one.

But everybody everybody fail sometimes.

But he attributes all his great talents to God.

Well, thank you so much for your time and thanks for blessed us with this great music here today.

I do have to get that.

Girl back to you.

All right, Lisa, thank you.

And James and Brad, thank you.

We also should give a shout out to Tabitha down or who was also part of James.

Great group.

And I tell you what.

Mark Lasseter busted a move down here.

There have been a lot of people busting and moving this football game.

It's been a tremendous first half so far, Gill.

A lot of what we expected, the running game of some of the passing game of Clinch County.

Take a look at the first half highlights of this football game.

Why don't you take us through Mark Lassiter.

Right off the top.

Let's talk about what's on Ely, Mr. Dynamite himself from two yards out with the first score for ECI, just Powell driving into the end zone.

Still nothing showing why he's one of the best runners in this tournament today.

Great vision.

The leg drive, the power to get him in the end zone.

And I thought a great ad lib play right here by Mr.. Kentavious Cooper for a Clinch County.

To take it himself down the near sideline showing the speed and the downfield blocking, picking up the first score for Clinch County and.

Then the dove in the end zone.

Of course, a penalty assessed on that, making it a short field for ECI.

One more look at it.

COOPER The ability to use his legs and, also, more importantly, the ability to make something out of nothing.

And I thought he did it right there.

Also, Cooper had numerous drops in the first half.

Get another look at the offense for ECI, surprising us all with the pass right in the middle to West Warwick, the reception dropped by Mike Robinson, the quarterback for ECI on the roll right.

Beautiful pass on the post pattern.

You see why it's so wide open.

And again, like you talked about the ability, ability to use the run and the pass and that set it up right there.

But here's the run and what a great run individual effort.

But number three, he's all that and a bag of chocolate chip cookies.

Mark Larson really entered the game with 49 touchdowns.

We saw 50 previously.

This is number 51, an incredible total when you consider that he passed Herschel Walker and his next to last game of the season.

And folks, this is a1a single-A football player and he is definitely the stars of stars.

You look at the halftime stats, Mark Lassiter, what jumps out at you immediately?

The rushing yards almost doubling up Collins County, Emanuel counting ECI with 128 rushing yards.

There were penalties on both teams in the first half, but everything else GILL Pretty much even until you get up two passing yards.

All right.

We go back downstairs now and our Lisa is standing by with Coach DICKERSON of Clinch County.

Coach DICKERSON, I you guys are down by 14 points for this game.

Is it over by any stretch of the imagination?

What did you tell your team in the locker room?

Well, the biggest thing is this team's going through adversity and growing pains all year.

We're very young and we just remind them that.

You know, you face adversity head on.

You keep fighting through it.

And then I know this team is young and you guys haven't here before.

That really keeps talking about that.

What is it been like to get them to calm down and play in this game?

I know they made some turnovers.

Well, as I said earlier, I don't know that.

You can you can be calm coming.

To this game when you step in here and.

See the dome atmosphere.

You know, when you're a young 16.

Year old, you're.

Going to be kind of overwhelmed.

But at the same time, I think at this point, we.

Were tired and.

And all the butterflies.

Routs and that we didn't just settle down and play.

Football.

The only problem is.

He said, Yeah.

We've got a problem with.

ECI, but.

Hopefully we can.

We figure some things out, tweaks, things, and we'll get better in the second half.

Thank you so much, Coach, and good luck in the second.

This is Georgia Public Broadcasting, your PBS station.

Back here under the big top, aka the Georgia Dome, Joe Tyree, Mark Laster, Lisa Weise, and of course, ECI with a 21 seven.

Count and about ready to receive the football from such county.

How important the start of the second half.

Mark last at the.

Very start the challenge is on the Clinch County's defense, which only returns three starters from last year's team.

They're young, as their coach mentioned, and the challenge will be his first drive in the second half.

Here you go.

And of course, like I said earlier, this has been a coming out party for Mr. Taylor.

I mean, he's been outstanding approaching the century mark in terms of the rushing yards here this afternoon and ECI, about a half away from getting to the state championship game.

The up back taken by Mr. Alley and he returns it to about the ECI.

28.

Watch out nearly on that last kick return, Gil actually caught that ball in his hands in front of him, just like a wide receiver.

This is interesting mode.

Both times, players will let that kick come in and catch up their body, but really caught that ball like a pass.

Michael Robertson leads the Bulldogs out.

They lead by 14, first and ten.

The handoff to Brooks Kirkland.

He goes around right side and no game.

Strong penetration that time led by number three McClain's county Carlos lately lined up on the left side ECI, which has had tremendous field position in the first half.

This is one of few times they've set up shop inside the 30 yard line to start a drive.

Second and eight for the Bulldogs at their own 31, they lead by 14, 21 to 7, they hand off to the aforementioned Mr. Eli spinning, turning and advancing the football.

There was absolutely nothing there, Gil.

And he still manages to pick up three yards, just stepping through trash all the way out to the 35 yard.

Line, as you say, running in between those tackles and doing it with a 40.

The ball spotted about the yard, 35/3 and four Robertson under center full house backfield and we have.

Encroachment Brandon drifted legs trying to anticipate the call on a Prince County blitz.

Look like a hard count planters now.

Also up all the defense five yards plus they're.

That's the easy way to pick it up.

More frustration on the face of Coach DICKERSON.

His football team trailing by 14 and as I said earlier, ECI a half away from getting to the single eight state championship game.

That's Ealy extra effort drive bomb pass pushing people over right guard over to 45 close to midfield.

Ealy lowered his shoulder pads watch number 12 Taylor Denmark Just bounce off of him at the end of this run and Denmark actually limped off the field.

He's still around at the huddle, but he's what come out right now, still favoring that left leg and help.

Also by number five, Dominique Ellis see the numbers on at least over 100 here today on 14 guys whistle sideline warning, snap we have a silent.

Warning for Chris counter.

That really gets under coach's skin some time.

Mark Lasater, they want everybody everybody's so involved in this football game.

But you got to stay back.

Second and two for his side of fake pitch and the handoff straight ahead to Eli again.

And he's across midfield into Clinch County Territory about to Clinch County 48.

Gil, what ECI is doing is really very simple.

They're able to load up the line of scrimmage with three players that go around £300.

You start off with Ted Turner, J.C. and Corey Todd when you need them.

Todd is at £340.

So what they're able to do is really just manhandle the Clint County offensive front.

Robinson The fake pitch gets outside across midfield 46 down maybe the 40, the spot up, up and 47.

Wait, Cobb number eight pushed him out of bounds.

And Mark, when you have that ability to run the football with success, you burn a lot of clock.

You also burn a lot of calories on that defense because the last thing you want when you have a small defensive line, you can really get worn down with these big guys pounding on you.

You're already gill inside of 9 minutes in the third quarter.

Down here and you saw the time of possession at halftime.

Flex counties actually held the ball more.

But I'll tell you what, he his ability to do, what they've been able to do.

With the football in the amount of time they've been able to do it, they've been very successful.

That's Kurt Brooks, Kirtland, Kirkland on the handoff down to about the Clinch County 47.

Once again, another player for Clinch County, very slow getting up, Kyle Morris.

That time, he's a tight end, also listed as a defensive end, these two way players that are taking the punishment of the huge offensive line.

And so Copeland, a sophomore, again, this young.

ECF football team, they are this up here today, third and eight for the Bulldogs.

Robertson straight drop.

Back looking for his receiver has him and that's what Collie Gordon and that's another easy on first down and again mark time and time again.

This afternoon we've talked about the ability of the Bulldogs to effectively use the run and pass.

Colleague Gordon is one of the most fluid wide receivers you'll ever see at the high school level.

He just floats to the open spot, raises up and makes a great catch in the open.

Field in traffic too.

You see the numbers on the senior that set up a first down and they continually move that football between the tackles.

And that's again number three.

STALEY The easy offense, just very steady, deliberate using variety when they have to.

Now they're approaching the red zone.

They're at the.

There you.

Go inside and approaching with this place.

This next play starts.

They'll be already of 7 minutes.

Second and seven.

And as Mark Lasater pointed out, ACR has been able to burn this clock.

That is so very important in this football game.

They lead by 14.

Under 7 minutes to go in a timeout.

A little bit to deliver it.

Back here under the big top on a Friday afternoon, part of a ten game trio of high school football here in the great state of Georgia.

Many of the fans from Asia rooting on their bulldogs, the lead by 14 and of course live streaming video today's and all the games here on GPB this afternoon this morning and of course tonight at WW W Judge GPB Dawgs football Robertson straight back looking long for his receiver may have him incomplete.

One of the great things about having the games on the website is that you can always go back and watch the archive games.

I find myself going back to game from 2000 for every now and then that we look at the previous players pass the thrown deep down field.

To Dexter Moody.

That was a jump ball excellent coverage as you said.

By likely it was an Dominique Ellis that'll bring up a third and seven.

He entered this game, Gil, on the season with 60 rushing touchdowns and 3956 yards on the ground.

Wow.

Incredible totals.

You say you like to listen to old games, right?

And watching.

Oh, no question.

You're right on line, right?

Yeah.

The excellent picture quality.

You get the decent connection to an end game back.

To 2002 and nobody does it better than the great folks at GPB all conquering and of course doing, a great job third and seventh for.

PCI whistles on the play will await the call.

From those that come out of this easy a second time up.

Second time out, Mark, something's going on out there.

And a quick timeout.

A little bit indecisive for ECI.

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Got a go to those numbers become a member of KP today because this is one of the great events of the year in the state of Georgia.

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And we urge you, like Mark Lassiter just so eloquently pointed out, we need your support here at GPB 13 and seven freestyle.

They lead by 14 ROBERTSON Dropping back looks low.

To the end zone may have his man and it's off in the end zone.

Great coverage by Dominic Ellis He was looking for Dexter Moody little under thrown football more glass of the second.

Time we've seen a lot of air under the pass deep downfield excellent play by Trey Richardson about two yards deep in the end zone sees the pass and adjusts to the ball in the air, keeps his hand up and makes a tremendous interception, catching the ball right at the peak, coming down with it.

So a tremendous break for Clinch County, taking over with the interception.

They'll go into business at the 20 yard line.

That's right.

They'll take over at their own 20 and they're down by 14.

But that was a big play because as he was driving, but more importantly, eating up a lot of the clock here at the Georgia Dome, first and ten for Prince County, they trailed by 14. COOPER out of the shotgun at his own.

20 to hand off to Dunmore around the left side, up to the 30 pushed out of bounds, about to the place county 32 Archie Tarver.

On the play for ECI.

Blitz County went with the empty backfield and actually five wide receivers on that played semi slot man Denmark in motion from left to right Denmark is number 12.

They'll come into your screen and try to get to the outside and pick up enough for the first down.

First and ten for Clinch County at their own 30, 21, 21 to 7.

Emmanuel County leading Clinch County here this afternoon at the Georgia Dome Cooper for the Panthers takes the snap in the pocket looking long down the right side Ford's receiver has in there that is Dominic Ellis and he's going to walk in for a touchdown.

There was contact.

At about the 38 yard line.

The wide receiver and defensive back for guy got tangled up you can see the mark being held right at the 38.

Will set this one out flag on the play and in those situations you're going to you're going to get a pie call some, right?

Mark Lassiter It's a tricky call because both were going for the ball.

They got tangled up as the receiver was looking back into the backfield.

And from what it appears.

It's going to be against Colts County.

Take a look at it.

Take us through Mark Lassiter.

What do you see?

Pass is delivered to the sideline ball hangs up once again you don't see the push off but you can see the wide receiver for Plains County, Dominique Ellis, trying to backpedal into the end zone.

But Ellis will be caught for the offensive pass interference series.

On offense 15 yards on the previous block.

Also locking down it'll be back them well that hurts and hurts a lot.

Hill as you mentioned, because it now brings up a second and 25.

Again.

Mark Lassiter pointed, out to our viewers out there.

There's the push off, great camerawork by the guys down the track.

He tries to backpedal into the end zone.

Ellis That is what he's pointing the defensive back.

Did he make the best of that contact?

And you saw the easy outside lads.

They knew because the flat came in there.

That's Cooper on the trouble.

He's going to get brought down and he's a loser for your coach.

Dexter Murray came in.

And locked in on him and Cooper gets nothing.

You see the hot snap, which has been there all afternoon long.

Jets, one would be tackler but he couldn't shed number nine.

You know, let's put a bookmark in that offensive pass interference because now with this third and huge coming up, ECI really has an advantage now on defense to take of the momentum on that last play call.

Mark Lassiter said throw in huge to be exact.

1328.

Cohort under pressure.

Tries to get outside looks over the middle for his receiver hasn't delivered 31 Ronnie Hill.

McCulley going for it in the deep zone did an excellent job of flashing enough closing speed once the pass was completed.

Gordon closes and stops the play for about a 15 yard gain, but that still is way short on that huge deficit.

At third down.

It'll bring up a punting situation for the Panthers in the Points County.

I mean, like you said, Mark, to bookmark that play because that could be one that looms large later on because again, missed opportunities.

And clinch County Hill needs nothing more than a decent punt on this next exchange because once again, the return man for ECI set up at about the 40 yard.

Line.

That's Lookout Gordon, the punt, a line drive.

And Cooper's going to watch it and so does Gordon.

Watch it go out of bounds at about the ECI 38, the winner of this football game will meet Wilcox County.

The Patriots did a number on Athens Academy 32 to 14, a game seen earlier here, in fact, kicked off things here at the Georgia Dome at 9 a.m. immediately following our football game at Dandy.

It'll be Carver and Chamblee and it will also be at 6:00 tonight.

The Tucker Tigers against the North Side Eagles, two undefeated football teams and many say that will be the game of the day.

Thomas Kenny Central, the Yellow Jackets and Weird County close out things here in the Georgia Dome on day one.

He's the guy with the football and that's Mr. Haley getting the carry and getting pushed out of bounds up about the DCI 40.

One of the best hits of the day delivered by Taylor Denmark, number 12.

For Clint's count, he got a little bit of a rise out of the crowd, seated the far sideline.

Denmark was favoring that right leg for a minute.

He was wearing number 12, but he's hanging in there.

See his tackle totals?

A toughie.

Second and nine for ECI.

They lead by 14.

Fake handoff.

And it was Sam Presley who got stood up and maybe loses a few.

All of a sudden, the Clinch County Defense now becomes very animated.

That's The second play, one of the first few plays all afternoon, Gill, that they've stopped ECI for no gain or loss.

What's the penetration at the line of scrimmage?

Trey Richardson was right there.

I mean, they converged at the point of attack and there was nowhere.

To go but brings up a third and ten for ECI, leading 20.

One seven.

The hand down straight ahead to Nick Cross gets over the 40 scoots up to about the 43.

That's a lot of confidence in your offensive line, but you can run a dove play on third and ten ECI.

Just trying to pick up what they can and they'll let kind of do the rest.

Now it becomes a game of field position.

Gilt There.

You go.

Far less likely as deep four points, count it and Will Henson will punt at his own 26.

Oh, it's blocked that's a loose football alive football touchdown he's going to have it slipping it up and taking it down inside the five to about to fall.

Let's give the credit to Dominique.

Ellis also in on that punt block for Kings County.

That's a huge play coming with 2 minutes and 51 seconds remaining in the third, just a turnover.

Nicolas County.

Won it.

Well, you know, it was trouble with the high snap and just a matter of time Kamara it just I mean the SWAT and let the loose football and James Edwards pounces on it and advances it down inside the five to about the ECI three.

And here is an opportunity for clinch now we've been talking about.

It points count.

It looks like they've been fired up.

They need an opportunity right here.

The deep man and the running position, running hill number 31 to 4 under center.

The handoff to Hill, no room spins around loses football.

That's a lot of football.

But it appears Clinch County has recovered.

It came out a second time.

Gill after it seemed that SGA had an excellent shot at returning or recovering that fumble.

Fortunate for Clinch County, they were able to get players to the ball.

Then Tobias Cooper was able to recover the football because that was a lot of football and loose.

And if that is recovered by his high mark, that's disaster.

Second and goal.

Tremendous opportunity for Clinch County in this third quarter.

Second and goal.

The Panthers at the ECI now whistles Cousins.

Now also on offense, you want to know why.

Coaches have great hands now perfect example Vince County, right?

Just can't seem to get its offense in gear with a tremendous shot coming within one touchdown of ECI.

So they'll try it again and then backed up some more.

Courtesy of a penalty.

Prince County Deep and the ECI territory trailing by 14. COOPER Plenty of time.

LANCE To the right side, to the 15, to the ten spins still on his feet down there.

Back three.

COOPER Just picking his way.

Originally trying to find a receiver, but once again, to easy coverage, tremendous.

In the end zone, Cooper decides to take it himself down the sideline.

Also see a player coming off the field for ECI.

It looks like Anthony Walden, the senior offensive lineman who doubles as a defensive tackle.

Right back to the sideline.

Now, again, we've talked about depth on these players with keys and short rosters.

So some of these two way players.

Are starting to feel the effects.

J.C. Lanier on the tackle of Cooper Third and goal for the Panthers of Clinch County.

They trailed by 14 we're late in the third quarter the pitch outside that hill he turns a corner nowhere right tackle by Dexter Moody to string it out.

Dexter Moody just like that draw it up in the book Broke down and got contact on the knees, the running back in a perfect position and stopped him before he could get into the end zone.

Tremendous play by the defense bringing up a fourth down call.

Okay, Mark Lacerda, want to take you inside of Coach Dickerson's mind right now.

What do you do?

You try to get some type of push against this defensive front.

Fourth and goal time out.

But I want you to expand on a little bit more class in there.

Talk to me right now.

Key moment at this football game you're driving fourth and goal with the opportunity of getting this lead and you have your closing in on getting to the fourth quarter.

Here's the problem for Clayton County Gill.

You're built around quickness.

It's not a big offensive line.

So what they want to do is try to define a play that will give them a quick hitting advantage because easy eyes defense has three players that are around £300.

It's just too big to think that they're going to just, man, I'm out of there.

So they're going to try to go to the sideline and try to find the best get to attack using that quickness.

Okay, there you go.

Guilty remark laughs there.

At least two weeks here at the Georgia Dome game two of ten of great high school football here in the great state of Georgia.

And of course, the winner of this football game will advance to the single-A championship game against Wilcox.

Earlier winners today over Athens Academy.

Now, let's look at the flip side.

If you're ECI, what a tremendous win this would be if their defense can hold here on a fourth and short can.

Definitely be a momentum shifter.

We take you get a get a feel for the RB here team that Georgia built this afternoon fourth and goal let's listen in.

That's Cooper to here Touchdown and very.

Interesting now Mark Laster.

And very interesting that they attacked big 632 £75 tackle Chad Turner on the right side of the defensive front.

Not a lot there, but give credit to Clinch County for the correct play call on fourth down.

Anthony McNeill on for the extra point high snap kick is up it's got 15 seconds to go in the third quarter and Clinch.

County is on the board.

They're now down by seven.

Take us through Mark Lassiter.

What do you see?

Ground level, excellent surge up front, another excellent block thrown up front by Trey Richardson, the freshman linebacker slash running back for Clinch County, really wasn't able to man his man out of there, but of the contact to create space like we talked about using that quickness, they were able to squeeze in the six points.

You see the drive for plays set up by that block.

But again, turnovers will get you every single day.

And Klich County made an opportunity of that.

BLOCK But to set up the touchdown by Hill, Ronnie Hill will kick off deep to receive for ECI will be our team Tarver.

For this county turning to their supporters on the far side not really feeling very good about themselves.

All of a sudden.

The ball taken by Ely, they got back to the 30, 35.

37 yard line short kick.