RABUN GAP, Ga. — In a battle of two nationally ranked teams, Venice defeated Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, 42-40 in overtime on the final play of the game to begin the 2026 season 1-0.
While the defenses were quiet in the second half, Venice's unit made the winning play, resulting in a field storming of Indians players and coaches after the near 10-hour trip to the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
Needing a 2-point conversion to stay alive, Rabun Gap quarterback Grayson Clary rolled to his right and fired a pass to the end zone for receiver Alanson Simmons, a tandem that connected for a touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter. Clary's pass fell incomplete as Venice's Micah Hayes arose from the trio of Indian defenders to knock the ball away.
Perhaps the most crucial decision of the night came from Venice head football coach John Peacock. After taking a 40-34 lead on the first play of overtime behind Dorien Jones' fifth touchdown of the night, Peacock elected to go for two, rather than kick the point after.
Matching the theme of the evening, Jones powered into the end zone once again, converting the 2-point try and giving Venice a 42-34 lead and the victory.
#pass
While the defenses were quiet in the second half, Venice's unit made the winning play, resulting in a field storming of Indians players and coaches after the near 10-hour trip to the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
Needing a 2-point conversion to stay alive, Rabun Gap quarterback Grayson Clary rolled to his right and fired a pass to the end zone for receiver Alanson Simmons, a tandem that connected for a touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter. Clary's pass fell incomplete as Venice's Micah Hayes arose from the trio of Indian defenders to knock the ball away.
Perhaps the most crucial decision of the night came from Venice head football coach John Peacock. After taking a 40-34 lead on the first play of overtime behind Dorien Jones' fifth touchdown of the night, Peacock elected to go for two, rather than kick the point after.
Matching the theme of the evening, Jones powered into the end zone once again, converting the 2-point try and giving Venice a 42-34 lead and the victory.
#pass
13 days ago
