Lions withstand late rally, surive with eight-point win

Oconee Co. gave the football team a scare on the gridiron last week, rallying late before falling 35-27. The Golden Lions appeared to have the game well under control, but a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown narrowed the lead to 35-27. Then the Warriors recovered the ensuing onside kick and drove deep into Pius territory. The defense held strong, however, forcing Oconee ’s offense into a turnover on downs from the Pius 14-yard line. The running game was unstoppable for Pius head coach Paul Standard’s team, gaining 397 yards on the ground. Jonathan Carter and Cole Moon led the way in the backfield, each rushing for over 150 yards. Meanwhile, quarterback P.G. Standard only had to throw three passes thanks to the dominant running attack. The football team opens up region play Friday with a trip to Carver- Atlanta for a 5:30 p.m. start. … The boys cross country team hosted and won the Altitude Running Invitational last week. Trey Ellis finished second with a time of 18:05 . Brendan Hoban and Michael O’Leary finished fourth and fifth, respectively. The girls team cruised to first place overall behind a 1-2 finish from Kathleen La Porte and Erin Osment.