Even though this season hasn’t gone quite like the Oconee County Warriors would have liked, one Warrior broke a record originally set in 1983 during last Friday’s 20-0 win against Jackson County at Warrior Stadium.

 VIDEO: WARRIORS TAKE ON JACKSON COUNTY

When Andrew Kowalski kicked a 24-yard field goal with 8:18 left in the third quarter, he broke Chris Green’s record for field goals in a season with his eighth.

“It’s honorable. We have had a good football program for a long time and it’s good to be a part of it and a part of the record books,” Kowalski said.

He said he knew coming into the game that he needed to field goals to break the record but didn’t expect to get the chance. He ended up with three opportunities, breaking the record on his third chance.

Kowalski tied the record in the first quarter with a 39-yard kick to get the Warriors on the board. He had a chance to break the record in the second quarter with a 47-yard attempt, but it was no good. He said he was a little nervous on the second attempt.

“I didn’t swing my leg all the way through, so my follow-through carried it to the right a little bit,” Kowalski said. “It wasn’t far off, but you can’t make them all.”

Kowalski also made a touchdown-saving tackle. Following a touchdown in the fourth quarter, he attempted a pooch kick near the sideline but it went out of bounds. Instead of taking the ball at its own 35, Jackson County opted for a rekick. The Panthers returned the kick to almost midfield, with Kowalski making the tackle.

“He cut back and had an open field so I had to make the tackle and make sure they didn’t score,” Kowalski said.

Three plays later, Blaze Burgess recovered a fumble to give Oconee County the ball back with 6:37 left in the game.

The Warriors kicked off to open the game, but got the ball after the Panthers fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. Jackson County didn’t allow the Warriors to get a first down, but Kowalski’s field goal gave the Warriors a 3-0 lead with 9:33 left in the first.

The game remained 3-0 until 31 seconds were left in the second quarter. Hutch Roper ran into the end zone from five yards out, and Kowalski’s extra point gave the Warriors a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Roper added another touchdown run, this one from seven yards, with 8:04 left in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Roper carried 18 times for 75 yards. Jamie Stephens had 177 yards on 23 carries.

It was the first shutout of the season for the Warriors’ defense in the final home game of the season.

“Tonight was really special,” said senior Josh Grider. “I remember the first time I played on this field, and now it’s the last time. I’m going to miss it.”

The win was just the second region win and second overall win of the season for the Warriors (2-7, 2-4). Jackson County (3-6, 0-6) was coming off a near upset of Elbert County two weeks ago.

“We knew we had to get ready more than we thought earlier in the season,” Grider said. “They were holding us for a while, but I’m glad we pulled it out in the end.”

The Warriors end the season on Friday night in Madison against Morgan County (1-8, 1-5), who lost to Eastside 48-7 last Friday.

“Every team has been tough that we have played, so we’re not going to take them for granted at all,” Grider said.

“We have nothing more to play for than pride,” Kowalski said. “We came out here and did our job. Hopefully we will be able to do it again (Friday night).”

Matthew Caldwell is sports editor of The Oconee Leader. He can be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (706) 310-1104.

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