Heard defense makes statement in shutout of Model
FRANKLIN — Friday night’s highly-anticipated top-10 showdown between Heard County and Model was predicted to be a battle between two high-flying offenses. However, it was the Braves’ defensive performance that stole the show. No. 1-ranked Heard County completed its second straight perfect regular season, won its third consecutive region title, and handed 9th-ranked Model its first shutout in over two years with a resounding 45-0 win over the visiting Blue Devils at Staples Stadium. Heard County improved to 10-0 overall and 7-0 in Region 6-AA with its 19th straight region win. Model fell to 8-2 and 5-2. The Braves’ defensive unit smothered a Model offense that came into the night averaging almost 43 points per game. Heard County forced four Model punts, held Model to 5-of-14 on third downs, stopped the Blue Devils on all five of their fourth-down attempts, and recovered a fumble. That defensive effort repeatedly gave the ball to all-state quarterback Ethan Tisdale in excellent field position, and Tisdale knew how to take advantage of that. Tisdale rambled for 153 rushing yards on eight carries, went 10-of-14 passing for 216 yards, and finished with four total touchdowns — two rushing and two passing. Model head coach Jeff
