By Becky Holland
COCHRAN, Ga. — The Bleckley County Royals survived a second-half battle with Dodge County Friday night, October 16, answering the Indians’ challenges with explosive offensive plays and timely execution to secure a hard-fought 28-21 victory.
After taking a 14-7 lead into halftime, the Royals watched Dodge County fight back to tie the game twice before delivering the decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Brody Fleming helped lead the charge, connecting with Jason McNulty Jr. on a spectacular 72-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter and later scoring on a 3-yard quarterback keeper to put Bleckley County ahead for good.
Running back Zyion Love also played an important role, helping the Royals move the chains and control the clock in the closing minutes.
Third Quarter: A Back-and-Forth Battle
Dodge County received the opening kickoff of the second half at its own 29-yard line and immediately went to work.
The Indians moved downfield with a combination of rushing plays and short passes, keeping the Bleckley County defense on its heels.
With approximately eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Dodge County’s Aamaury Fountain scored on a 9-yard touchdown run. Isaac Murray added the extra point, tying the game at 14-14.
But the Royals weren’t about to surrender the momentum.
Following the kickoff, Bleckley County took possession at its own 22-yard line. The Royals initially struggled to gain ground, with Love stopped for no gain before picking up five yards on another carry.
Then Fleming delivered one of the biggest plays of the night.
With approximately six minutes remaining in the quarter, Fleming connected with McNulty on a 72-yard touchdown pass, sending the Royals back into the lead.
Dylan Lamb converted the extra point, giving Bleckley County a 21-14 advantage.
The touchdown demonstrated the Royals’ ability to strike quickly, turning a close contest back in their favor with one explosive play.
Dodge County, however, refused to go away.
The Indians continued battling and eventually scored again to tie the contest at 21-21, setting up a dramatic fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Fleming Delivers, Royals Take Control
With the game tied at 21, Bleckley County needed another answer.
The Royals found it behind Fleming and Love.
Love broke loose on a run that helped move Bleckley County deep into Dodge County territory, reaching the Indians’ 17-yard line.
Additional rushing plays and a Dodge County facemask penalty helped the Royals move closer to the goal line.
With the ball inside the 5-yard line, Fleming took matters into his own hands.
The Royals quarterback powered into the end zone on a 3-yard rushing touchdown, putting Bleckley County ahead 27-21 with approximately six minutes remaining.
Mason Asbell added the extra point, extending the lead to 28-21.
The Royals had regained control, but the outcome was far from certain.
Dodge County took possession at its own 35-yard line and attempted to mount another scoring drive.
Bleckley County’s defense rose to the occasion.
After the Indians picked up yardage through the air, the Royals forced a critical fourth-down situation. Dodge County’s pass attempt fell incomplete, and an ineligible receiver penalty was declined.
The result was a turnover on downs, giving Bleckley County possession at the Dodge County 41-yard line with approximately five minutes remaining.
It was a crucial defensive stand that gave the Royals an opportunity to put the game away.
Royals Run Down the Clock
With a seven-point advantage, Bleckley County turned to its ground game to protect the lead.
Love carried the football for several important gains, while Fleming contributed another key run.
Facing a fourth-and-3 situation at the Dodge County 34-yard line, Love picked up the yard needed to keep the possession alive.
Moments later, Fleming broke free on a 9-yard quarterback keeper, moving the Royals to the Dodge County 25-yard line and earning another first down.
With just over two minutes remaining, Bleckley County continued working to keep the clock moving.
Love added a 7-yard gain, prompting Dodge County to use its final timeout with 1:53 remaining.
The Indians had exhausted their timeouts, leaving the Royals in control of the closing moments.
Bleckley County continued running the football as the clock dipped below one minute.
The Royals completed the final moments without allowing Dodge County another opportunity to score, securing the 28-21 victory.
A Hard-Earned Victory
Friday night’s contest showcased Bleckley County’s resilience.
The Royals entered the second half with a seven-point advantage, saw that lead disappear twice and still found a way to finish on top.
Fleming’s 72-yard touchdown connection with McNulty provided one of the game’s most exciting moments, while his fourth-quarter rushing touchdown ultimately supplied the winning points.
Love’s contributions on the ground proved especially valuable late in the contest, helping Bleckley County maintain possession and drain precious time from the clock.
And when the Royals needed a defensive stop, they delivered, forcing the turnover on downs that helped seal the outcome.
It wasn’t an easy victory, but it was one the Royals earned through determination, timely execution and the ability to respond when challenged.
Final Score: Bleckley County 28, Dodge County 21.
The Royals leave Friday night’s contest with another victory and plenty of reasons for their fans to celebrate.
Photo by Terry Ware
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