Taylor County Eyes History in Rivalry Showdown with Macon County
The Taylor County Vikings (7-2, 5-0) look to cap off a dominant season and clinch their first region title in over two decades against their long-time rivals, the Macon County Bulldogs (4-5, 4-1)
BUTLER, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – It doesn’t get more small-town than this. A rivalry dating back to the 1970s, a pair of programs separated by 20 miles, and a region championship on the line. The Taylor County Vikings are set to host the Macon County Bulldogs Friday night in The Endzone’s final regular-season Game of the Week.
Under fourth-year head coach Brandon Byram, Taylor County (7-2, 5-0) has become the team to beat in Region 6-A Division II. After opening the season with two losses, the Vikings have rattled off seven straight wins, playing their best football when it matters most.
“This is my first head coaching job, so it’s been a learning process,” Byram said. “These kids have taught me a lot about the game, about coaching, and about myself. I’m really thankful for this group. They’re a special group of kids.”
Since that rocky start, Taylor County has rolled through region play, averaging 38 points per game while allowing just 10 a contest on defense. The Vikings’ only close call came in a 24-16 road win at Crawford County last week.
Leading the charge is junior quarterback Leland Holder, who has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards with 17 total touchdowns and just three interceptions. Behind him, junior running back Adrian Chatman has racked up more than 700 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
“It’s not a surprise,” Holder said. “We knew we were going to be good this year. We just had to bring everybody together. We haven’t even played our best yet.”
On the defensive side, senior linebacker Chandler Lawhorn anchors the unit with 56 tackles and a forced fumble. He said the team’s bond off the field has been key to their success.
“It’s just been real fun,” Lawhorn said. “It’s been real connected. Everything just flows nice, it’s been a lot easier as the years have gone on.”
This week, however, presents their biggest test yet. The Vikings have never beaten Macon County under Byram, and have just one win in the last 12 meetings, coming back in 2013. Last season’s 20-3 loss to the Bulldogs cost them a shot at the region crown.
Now, Taylor County’s seniors have a chance to change that and secure the program’s first region title since 1998.
“It’s not just another game,” Byram said. “There’s a lot on the line – postseason implications, pride, history. But our kids know what’s at stake. I just want them to go out, play their game, and have fun doing it.”
For Holder, it’s about sending the upperclassmen out the right way.
“It means a lot for the seniors,” he said. “It’s our last regular-season game, and I’m trying to get it done for them.”
Lawhorn added, “It means a lot for the region championship. We’ve never beaten them in our time here, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Byram expects an electric atmosphere Friday night as two proud programs meet again, both in top form.
“Both of these programs are good at the same time, which hasn’t always been the case,” he said. “Two hard-nosed teams going at it. It’s going to be one of the best games around Friday night.”
Kickoff between Taylor County and Macon County is set for Friday night in Montezuma, marking the 29th all-time meeting between the two programs.
The Vikings are behind in the series 9-19 and will look to make it 10 wins and a third region championship in program history. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Catch highlights from this game of the week, along with others, on the End Zone during 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Tune into pregame coverage live from Adams-Maffett Field during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m.
