Falcons hold off Pilots, 25-20

The Lake County High School Falcons defeated the Fulton County High School Pilots 25-20 Fri., Sept. 25, handing Fulton County a hard-fought loss despite a big night on the ground from the Pilots.

The Pilots’ offense was led by Charles Keys, who broke loose for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, averaging 16.5 yards per carry. Preston Smith added 31 yards on four carries, while Cooper Drake Thorpe had 13 yards on seven carries, Christian Alexander had three yards on two carries, and Prestyn Jones had two yards on six carries.

Smith completed four of eight passes for 26 yards and a touchdown, but the Falcons’ defense intercepted three passes.

Thorpe completed one of two passes for one yard, and Zayden Huff completed one of his two passes for three yards.

Through the air, D.K. Kinney led the Pilots with three receptions for 16 yards. Jones caught two passes for seven yards and a touchdown, while Thorpe had one reception for three yards.

Fulton County finished with 277 total yards, including 247 rushing and 30 passing. The Pilots averaged 8.0 yards per rushing attempt.

Defensively, Brayden Eakes led Fulton County with seven total tackles, including six solo stops and one assist. Chrisstjeane Gordon recorded eight total tackles, while Hunter Stonecipher had seven. Cooper Drake Thorpe added seven tackles and two tackles for loss.

The Pilots will hit the road and take on the Caverna Colonels Fri., Oct. 2. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.