Despite a phenomenal run in the regular season, Fitzgerald couldn't carry that success into this playoff game. They and the Heard County Braves were almost perfectly matched up on Friday, but they suffered a 39-38 loss. The defensive woes were uncharacteristic for the Purple Hurricane, who until this matchup were averaging 13.54 points allowed.
When it comes to explaining why Fitzgerald lost, don't look at Daniel Harris. Despite the final result, he rushed for 78 yards and one touchdown on only six carries. Harris also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, making one tackle and defending one pass in addition to snagging an interception which he returned for a touchdown.
Fitzgerald didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Harris and Braylon McCray. Harris got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Heard County got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ethan Tisdale out in front who threw for 272 yards and three TDs, and also rushed for 104 yards and one score on only 14 carries. Darience Coleman was Tisdale's top target, picking up 32 receiving yards, while also rushing for 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Purple Hurricane
| 11/28/25 @ Heard County | 38-39 |
| 11/21/25 @ Dublin | 28-7 |
| 11/14/25 vs Academy for Classical Education | 42-9 |
| 10/31/25 vs Jeff Davis | 35-21 |
| 10/24/25 @ Bacon County | 35-0 |
With the defeat, Fitzgerald broke their seven-game winning streak and moved their record to 9-4. As for Heard County, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 13-0.
Fitzgerald does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Heard County, they will welcome Toombs County at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (the Braves 14.2, the Bulldogs 13.4) so any points scored will be well earned.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
