DAHLONEGA -- Lumpkin County's impressive season came to an end on Friday -- but not without a fight.<br />
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The Indians -- in their first ever home state playoff game -- battled Elbert County every step and trailed just 21-18 with seven minutes remaining but could not come up with another score, as the Blue Devils pulled away for a 28-18 victory in Dahlonega.<br />
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The outcome brought to an end Lumpkin's first campaign under coach Tyler Maxwell, as the Indians (5-6) reached the state bracket for the first time since 2003.<br />
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Quarterback Zach Matthews led Lumpkin with 77 yards rushing and a touchdown on 19 carries, while also completing 5 of 9 passes for 59 yards. Gunner Wood also rushed 13 times for 50 yards and a score, while Cole White added 45 yards on 13 carries.<br />
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Elbert led 7-3 at the half and 14-11 after three quarters.<br />
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Rantious Reed rushed for 89 yards for the visitors, while Mecole Hardman led all players with 213 yards rushing and three scores.
