Chestatee pulls off another thriller, edges Stephens Co.

TOCCOA -- Last week's double overtime, Region 8-AAAA defeat of Eastside was pretty special -- but compared to Friday it was just an appetizer for Chestatee football fans.

After the offensive explosion against Eastside, the War Eagles showed their defense can come up big too, holding previously undefeated Stephens County in check for much of the night in a 24-20 victory in Toccoa.

Chestatee (3-1, 2-0 Region 8-AAAA) put itself in prime position in the postseason race in 8-AAAA thanks in large part to a defense that gave up just seven points through three quarters and held Indians standout running back Chaz Thornton in check.

"We contained Thornton pretty well. He got his yards, but we had great gang-tackling all night and the defense just played lights out," War Eagles coach Stan Luttrell said. "The whole team did a great job, and we played some inspired football in the second half."

Chestatee fought through a sloppy first half on offense that saw the War Eagles turn the ball over multiple times and trail 7-3, their only points coming on a 30-yard field goal from Eddie Zamora.

The score remained the same through three quarters before Chestatee caught fire in the fourth quarter, quarterback Jordan DeGraff scoring twice and A.J. Sijiye scoring once to help Chestatee to a 24-14 lead. Tyree Robertson also came down with a key interception for the War Eagles defense.

Fifth-ranked Stephens County scored to pull within 24-20 with seconds remaining, but the War Eagles held on for the victory.

"Our offensive line played so well," Luttrell said. "All the kids just played hard, inspired football. We made some adjustments together in the second half, and everyone came up big."

Chestatee will play host to Johnson next Friday in Gainesville.

Stephens County will have a week off before traveling to face Monroe Area in another key Region 8-AAAA game on Oct. 12.