FITZGERALD — Fifth-ranked Fitzgerald used a ball-control offense in methodically dominating visiting Bacon County 25-3 in a Region 1-A matchup here Friday.
The Purple Hurricane (6-2 overall, 4-1 region) used their hybrid wing-T offensive scheme to control the clock handing the Red Raiders (4-5, 1-4) a third consecutive setback and fourth in five games.
Bacon County closes out its season Friday hosting Brantley County (1-7, 1-3). The Herons lost their third consecutive game falling 34-14 to previously winless Berrien at home.
Fitzgerald chewed up 6:21 of the first quarter with its opening 13-play drive — all on the ground. The Purple Hurricane reached the Bacon County 17 before stalling and settling for a Griffin Cox 34-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
The Red Raiders’ opening possession got off to a rough start losing 13 yards on a bad snap followed by two incomplete passes. Fitzgerald followed with its own three-andout with the punt pinning the visitors inside the 10.
The Purple Hurricane defense forced a second punt with speedy Victor Copeland returning the ball 39 yards for a touchdown with five seconds remaining in the opening period. The Cox PAT gave Fitzgerald a 10-0 lead.
Bacon County was forced to punt on its ensuing possession with the Purple Hurricane storming through for the block.
The Red Raiders’ defense stiffened forcing Fitzgerald to punt the ball away four plays later from the Bacon County 41.
After another punt by the Red Raiders, Fitzgerald put together an eight-play scoring drive eating up 4:13 of the clock. Copeland capped the possession with a four-yard run with 2:49 left in the first half. Cox tacked on the PAT for a 17-0 advantage.
Bacon County finally broke through on the scoreboard on its opening possession of the third quarter. Aiden Cothern returned the second half kick 53 yards to the Purple Hurricane 23.
The drive stalled at the Fitzgerald nine with Isaiah Thomas kicking a 26-yard field goal cutting the deficit to 17-3 with 8:15 showing on the clock.
The Purple Hurricane put together one last scoring drive spanning the third and fourth quarters. Fitzgerald went 71 yards in 11 plays eating up 6:43 off the clock to score with 9:41 remaining.
Cam Johnson did the honors from a yard out. The Purple Hurricane used the “swinging gate” for the two-point conversion extending their advantage to 25-3.
