Prep Football: George County blanks visiting Stone 13-0 Friday night

George County running back Branden Gautier surveys the scene vs. Stone Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer
LUCEDALE — Two teams suddenly seemingly going in different directions squared off here at Gill-Martin Stadium Friday night.
And home-standing George County captured its second straight win under new head coach Kelly Causey with a 13-0 decision over Stone as the Rebels celebrated homecoming.
George County is now 2-3 after starting the season off with three straight losses, while the Tomcats sit 1-3 with three straight losses after a season-opening win over Hancock.

Stone running back Ayden Green looks for running room vs. George County Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

George County running back Branden Gautier takes a hand off from Rebel quarterback Wyatt Spidahl vs. Stone Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

Stone running back Amarion Fairley breaks into open space vs. George County Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

Stone defensive lineman Cayden Luster loses his helmet while making a stop vs. George County Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

It marked the final non-region game of the season for GCHS.
The Rebel defense produced its best outing of the year, including getting GCHS off to a lead that it would never relinquish late in the opening period.
George County defensive back Mark Harvey returned an interception for a 33-yard pick six touchdown with seven seconds to play in the first quarter to put the home team up 6-0.
There would be no more scoring until almost mid-way through the third period, and only after Stone missed a huge opportunity to either tie the game up or take the lead.

George County defender Braylon Fairley closes in on Stone quarterback Xander Howard Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

George County defensive back Matt Harvey (left) celebrates after a pick six vs. Stone Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

George County quarterback Wyatt Spidahl looks for an open target vs. Stone Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

Several players scramble for a loose ball including Stone defensive lineman Colton Ladner (50) and Tomcat linebacker Brayden Williams (10) vs. George County Friday night. (Photo by Joe Harper)

The Tomcats caused the Rebels to turn the ball over on downs at the Stone 42. On the next play, Stone quarterback Xander Howard found wide out Josiah Beamon all alone behind the GCHS secondary around the Rebel 15 yard-line and hit him in stride in stride but he dropped it.
Then, Rebel defender Matt Fairley fell on a Tomcat fumble, setting the Rebels up at Stone 44.
George County quarterback Rebel wide out Grant Reeves on a slant in for 26 yards down to the Stone 19. Rebel tailback Branden Gautier ripped off an 11-yard run to the eight, and two plays later Gautier covered the final 4-yards on a touchdown jaunt to decide the final count.
George County defensive back Braylon Fairley picked off a Howard pass in the end zone late in the game to seal the win.