BY MELANIE CRABTREE
Special to the Monitor
Keystone Heights returned from Cross City empty handed as the Dixie County Bears handed the Indians their fourth loss of the season in a 39-24 defeat on Sept. 19.
The home team scored first on a touchdown pass from Keydran Teague to James Harshley.
The Indians (0-4) answered with a scoring run by Cole Crabtree. Ryder Thomas added the extra point, tying the game.
Dixie County (1-4) grabbed the momentum in the first half, taking a 32-7 lead into the locker room.
However, the Indians mounted a comeback in the second half, with Crabtree hitting paydirt to open the last two quarters. Thomas added the PAT, closing Dixie’s lead to 32-14.
The Bears answered with a Teague rushing score, and with Inman Wilson adding the extra point, Dixie extended its lead to 39-14.
Teague completed eight passes on 12 attempts for 186 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 138 yards on 12 carries.
Indians quarterback Hunter Crumpton closed the gap to 39-20 with a run into the end zone, followed by a two-point conversion by Crabtree.
The Indians tallied their last two points when a long snap sailed over the Dixie County punter and through the end zone for a safety.
Keystone Head Coach Steve Reynolds said he continues to see a positive change in his team as they move forward in their season. He praised his squad of primarily freshmen and sophomores for the work and effort they put into the game.
“As a team, they are finding a rhythm offensively and more able to move the ball,” Reynolds said. “I’m really proud of the way they fought until the game was over.”
Crabtree led the Indians in rushing with a season-high 115 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns and one two-point conversion.
Crumpton followed with 92 yards on 18 carries, with one touchdown and one completed pass to Josiah Bardier for an 18-yard gain.
Luke Bacorn led the defense with nine tackles. Crabtree had three tackles, with one forced fumble. Trase Wooden had three tackles. Logan Madden-Moore had two tackles. Bardier, Crumpton, Pete Bostic, Micha Screen, Connor Mooneyham, and Tallon Lybarger all made one stop each.
Screen and Coy Campbell both made one interception while on defense.
Thomas made both of his extra-point attempts with ease.
The Indians host District 5-2A opponent Bradford on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. The Tornadoes (4-1) are coming off a 28-7 win over Eastside.
Last season’s matchup was won 40-0 by Bradford.
