Warriors rally past Harris to win Lion Bowl

White County Middle School found itself in unfamiliar territory Tuesday night in Tullahoma.

For the first time all season, the Warriors went to the locker room trailing at halftime. Facing what head coach Aaron Brown called the most athletic team his program has seen during his tenure, White County had to find a way to respond.

The Warriors did, rallying from a 14-8 halftime deficit to defeat Harris Middle School, 28-22, in the Lion Bowl and keep their undefeated season intact.

White County entered the game after completing an undefeated run through conference play. The Warriors defeated DeKalb County, 36-6, in their Sept. 22 regular-season finale to secure the district championship and earn a trip to Tullahoma to face Harris, the conference champion from that area.

“We probably went up against the most athletic team we have ever faced while I have been coach here,” Brown said. “They have at least three kids that will eventually play on Saturdays.”

Knowing the challenge presented by Harris' athleticism, White County went into the game with a plan to limit possessions and shorten the game with its rushing attack. That plan became even more important after the Warriors fell behind in the first half.

White County made adjustments at halftime and leaned heavily on Julian Seely, Eston Humphrey, and its offensive line as the Warriors began working their way back into the game.

Special teams then helped turn the game.

Brantley Harp delivered back-to-back onside kicks that were recovered by Maddox Groce and Silas Vandergriff. The two recoveries allowed White County to maintain possession and, according to Brown, kept the Harris offense off the field for nearly two quarters.

The Warriors eventually pulled in front and held on for the 28-22 win.

White County's defense also came up with two turnovers against an offense that presented a significant speed challenge. Groce and Humphrey each intercepted a pass, while Brown credited Sampson Winfree with what he called his best game since Brown has coached him. Winfree made several solo tackles in space that prevented Harris from getting to the edge.

But for Brown, the biggest test came at halftime.

White County had not trailed at the break at any point this season before Tuesday night. With the Warriors down six, Brown challenged his team to show how it would respond to adversity.

“They bowed their necks and answered the call,” Brown said. “Super proud of them overall for that showing.”