For the second week in a row, the Unaka football team had to work overtime. Unfortunately, it didn’t go their way this week.
The Rangers dropped a thrilling 50-48 double overtime decision to Hancock County in the Region 1-A opener on Stoney Creek. With the loss, Unaka falls to 1-2 on the season.
Hancock County had control early.
The Indians broke onto the board with four minutes to go in the first quarter, and added a touchdown in the opening minutes of the second quarter to take a 14-0 lead.
Unaka answered as Logan Benway scored on a nine-yard touchdown run in the middle of the stanza to trim the advantage.
Hancock County, however, added a touchdown in the final minute of the half to take a 22-6 lead into the locker room.
The Rangers, however, weren’t going to go quietly.
Unaka saw the defense get in the scoring act as Devin Ramsey jumped in front of an Indian pass and returned it 42 yards for the touchdown. Benway added the two-point conversion to pull the Rangers within eight.
After the UHS defense forced a punt, Landon Ramsey hit Austin Drew for a 33-yard touchdown pass and the L. Ramsey conversion tied the game up with just over four minutes left to play in the third quarter.
The final minute of the fourth saw HC regain the lead with a short touchdown, but Unaka tied the game five minutes into the fourth quarter as Ramsey connected with Drew for a 46-yard touchdown.
Daniel Shearl got his own pick six on the ensuing drive as he raced 63 yards for the score. L. Ramsey hit Nick Bowers for a two-point conversion to give Unaka a 36-28 lead with six minutes to play.
The Indians evened things up on their next drive. Unaka had the ball at their own 41-yard line in the final minute, but they were unable to break onto the board before the end of regulation.
In the first overtime, Benway scored on the first Ranger possession with a five-yard score, but Hancock forced a second overtime as they scored on a one-yard run.
After the Indians scored on a 10-yard touchdown and then converted the two-point conversion to open the second extra period, Benway scored on a three-yard scamper.
Unaka, however, was unable to force an extra period as the two-point conversion was stopped short.
