Rabbs beat Dragons, 68-38, in record-breaking game

Following up on last week’s victory against Elysian Fields, Atlanta faced the Redwater Dragons in an explosive home-game on Sept. 1.

While the first half of the game was a neck-andneck competition between two seemingly evenly matched teams, the ball quickly began rolling in Atlanta’s favor, with the Rabbits dominating the second half and securing a 68-38 victory and a record of 2-0 this season.

First Quarter

Atlanta won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. With Redwater going first, they were able to swiftly score the first touchdown of the game, though they missed the attempt for a 2-point conversion, making the score 6-0. Atlanta quickly responded with a touchdown of their own; a 16-yard pass to Markeylin Batton. Batton then went into the endzone for the 2-point conversion, bringing the score 8-6.

Keeping this momentum up, Atlanta soon scored another touchdown with a Peyton Harrison 5-yard pass to Marquavion Owens, that was followed by a 2-point conversion from Jayden Riley. Atlanta now led by a score of 16-6.

The first quarter ended with a fumble by Riley soon after a turnover from the Dragons; leading to the Dragons starting the second quarter with the ball again.

Second Quarter

After the Rabbits took a decently sized lead in the first quarter, the Dragons soon brought it back around, capitalizing on this possession by scoring a 20-yard touchdown and a 2-point conversion, bringing the score to a much-closer 16-14. This set the stage for how the rest of the quarter would go.

Atlanta retaliated with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Riley and a 2-point conversion by Batton, bringing the score to 24-14.

The second quarter kept tensions high, as Redwater scored a 59-yard touchdown pass, and successfully scored another 2-point conversion, making the score 24-22 with 10:55 left in the first half.

Soon, Riley would score on a 34-yard touchdown pass, but Atlanta missed the attempt for a 2-point conversion. The score was now 30-22.

After some more back-and-forth on the field, Redwater scored yet another touchdown and 2-pointer, causing the score to tie up to 30-30.

Atlanta received the kickoff with 1:49 left in the first half. Owens scored on a 57-yard touchdown reception from Harrison, followed by Jalarrion Andrews catching the ball for a 2-point conversion for Atlanta. This is where the score would stand until the beginning of the third quarter.

Third Quarter

The third quarter started off looking like it was going to be close like the second quarter, with Dimoree Limbrick intercepting the ball in the endzone.

A penalty on the interception return pinned the Rabbits at their own 4-yard line. Redwater was able to force a fumble, which was recovered by the Dragons in the endzone. The following 2-point conversion attempt was successful, making the score 38-38.

Despite early appearances, the game began shifting in the Rabbit’s favor after some more back-andforth on the field.

A seeming touchdown pass to Riley was negated by an offensive pass interference call. On thirdand- 17, Harrison hit Riley for a first down. This set up a first-and-goal from the 5-yard line.

On the next play, Harrison faked the hand off and rolled to the right for a 5-yard touchdown run. Atlanta, once again had the lead with a 46-38 score. The Rabbits kept going strong, scoring another touchdown. This time it was a 40-yard Harrison to Owens pass, with a 2-point conversion added on by Riley, making the score 54-38, with only 34 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The Rabbits added another score in the fourth quarter, with Riley scoring on an 86-yard touchdown pass from Harrison, followed by a 2-point conversion that was also scored by Riley, bringing the score to 62-38.

Atlanta wrapped up the game, with strong defensive play and another touchdown after Riley caught the ball and scored a 51-yard touchdown pass for Atlanta, with a missed 2-point conversion. The final score was an exciting 68-38 victory for the Atlanta Rabbits.

Harrison broke the school record for passing yards with a 15-for-21 performance with 472 passing yards and eight total touchdowns.

Riley broke a school record for receiving yards with seven catches for 316 yards and 4 TDs.

The Rabbits look to continue to keep the string of wins going next week as they face the New Boston Lions in New Boston on Friday with kickoff set for 7 p.m.