Lumpkin County Defeated East Forsyth After Tragedy
The football team secured a 42-35 victory shortly after the passing of their defensive coordinator.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
Lumpkin County earned a 42-35 win over East Forsyth at Half-Mile Stadium on September 18, 2026. The team played the game in honor of defensive coordinator Brian Allison, who passed away just two hours before kickoff.
Why it matters
The emotional victory served as a tribute to Brian Allison, a significant figure who founded the East Forsyth football program in 2021. Players and staff channeled their grief into a high-scoring performance on the field.
Lumpkin County gained 368 rushing yards, led by Kolson Howell's 154 yards and 5 touchdowns. East Forsyth's Brooks Smallwood countered with 205 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in the high-scoring affair.
The players
Brian Allison
He was the defensive coordinator for Lumpkin County and the founder of the East Forsyth football program.
Kolson Howell
He is the quarterback for Lumpkin County who accounted for five rushing touchdowns in the victory.
Brooks Smallwood
He is a running back for East Forsyth who recorded four touchdowns and over 200 rushing yards.
Kane Goss
He is a defensive player for Lumpkin County who made the game-sealing tackle on fourth down.
The details
Lumpkin County clinched the game after a critical defensive stop with 45 seconds remaining. Kane Goss secured the victory by tackling Brooks Smallwood behind the line of scrimmage on a 4th-and-2 attempt at midfield.
Timeline
Brian Allison founded the East Forsyth football program in 2021.
Brian Allison died at approximately 5:30 p.m. on September 18, 2026, two hours before kickoff.
The football game between Lumpkin County and East Forsyth took place on September 18, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This emotional win establishes Lumpkin County as a resilient force in the division following the loss of a key staff member. The game serves as a pivotal moment in the local season narrative as the team navigates the remainder of their schedule without their defensive leader.
The game-sealing stop by Kane Goss prevented an East Forsyth comeback, directly impacting the final standings. The 589 combined rushing yards highlight an extreme reliance on the ground game that will influence defensive scouting for both teams moving forward.
The takeaway
Lumpkin County managed to overcome immense personal loss to secure a tight divisional victory on the gridiron. Players and fans are now left to reconcile the intense emotional weight of the evening with the competitive demands of the ongoing season.
Further reading
For more local coverage, check the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AccessNorthGA.
