After a slow start, both for the season and in Friday’s night game, the Haralson County High School football team broke into the win column in a big way for its homecoming crowd with a 49-25 victory over Southeast Whitfield.

After receiving the opening kickoff, the Rebels (1-4) were three downs and out.

Southeast Whitfield went on offense at its 35, and after three passes and two short runs the Raiders were on the board. Carmelo Apacada scored on a six-yard run off right tackle. The extra point was good and the Rebels trailed 7-0.

On their second offensive possession, the Rebels took the ball at their own 28 and moved down the field, alternating the running game with passes that hit the receivers for important first downs.

Antoine Phillips and Clayton Horton ate up the yards on the ground while C.J. Meeks hit Josh Newberry with key passes. On a critical third down and 11, Meeks connected with Newberry for 12 yards and a first down. The next third-down play was a 26-yard pass from Meeks to Newberry for a touchdown. The extra point was good, and the score was tied 7-7.

The visiting Raiders then drove to the Rebels’ 4-yard line before being forced to kick a 35-yard field goal. With the first quarter nearing an end, the Raiders were back out front 10-7.

These quick scores for the visitors brought the Rebels to life, and they scored touchdowns on their next three possessions on their way to a 28-10 halftime lead.

The first score was a 43-yard run by Phillips. The next score came after Newberry intercepted a Raiders pass near midfield. Phillips, Horton and Meeks piled up the yards, with Lamarcus Jefferson scoring from four yards out.

On their first drive of the second half, the Rebels moved methodically down the field. Phillips had a 27-yard run and Meeks a 16-yard run to put the ball inside the 10.

Jefferson then scored for the second time in the game to push the advantage to 35-10.

Quarterback Tanner McCutcheon scored for the Raiders on a 19-yard quarterback keeper. One play after the Raiders kickoff, Rebel Gabe Johnson romped for a 54-yard touchdown, and the Rebels took a 49-17 lead. Allen Moore scored the last touchdown for the Raiders on a short pass.

Shane Watkins had an outstanding game on defense for the Rebels with blocked passes and tackles for big losses. Newberry had an outstanding game both on offense and defense, where he pulled down two key interceptions.