Football Recap: Lumpkin County Starts Season with Defeat at Home

Lumpkin County unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They took a 31-21 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Cherokee Bluff Bears on Friday. The defeat continues a trend for the Indians in their meetings with the Bears: they've now lost five in a row.

Nolan Matthews

Rushing Yards

08/15/25 vs Cherokee Bluff	135
11/15/24 vs LaGrange	121
11/01/24 @ Pickens	184
10/25/24 @ Dawson County	232

Nolan Matthews and Martin Hulsey certainly did their best on Friday to avoid the loss. Matthews rushed for 135 yards and one TD, while Hulsey picked up 108 receiving yards and a pair of scores. Matthews' rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his fourth straight game with at least 121 rushing yards dating back to last season.

Leading Cherokee Bluff to victory were Malcolm Millsap and Tony Rushin. Millsap gained 178 total yards and two touchdowns, while Rushin rushed for 56 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Lumpkin County will have a little extra prep time after the loss as they won't be playing again for a while. They'll take on Hart County at 7:30 p.m. on the 29th. As for Cherokee Bluff, they will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on Apalachee at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.