Rural Retreat downs Bland County 34-12

RURAL RETREAT — It’s hard to believe that alternative award-winning band R.E.M. has something in common with Rural Retreat.

Without necessary harmony from Mike Mills – or Michael, in the Indians’ case – those two entities wouldn’t be where they are today.

Though the local Mills doesn’t thump the bass at worldwide concerts, his effective running certainly has Rural Retreat carrying yet another happy tune into late November. Along with David Harrison’s 187-yard, four-touchdown performance, the aforementioned junior carried seven times for 125 yards and a score as the host Indians ousted Bland County 34-12 during chilly Region C, Division 1 semifinal action Friday.

Having already captured three consecutive Region C, Division 1 crowns, the Indians (8-3) – who churned out 399 rushing yards against the Bears (7-4) – will host Bath County, a 27-20 winner over Holston, next Friday in search of a fourth title.

"We want to hold up that fourth consecutive Region C trophy," said Mills, who collected 104 yards on just three carries during the third quarter.

With Harrison serving as the team’s unofficial lead singer – a.k.a. Michael Stipe – after grinding out both Indian touchdowns and 106 first-half yards for a 14-0 halftime advantage, Mills put together two crucial plays over a two-minute span.

Mills first intercepted Bland County quarterback Josh Shrader at the Rural Retreat 36 on the Bears’ initial second-half possession before switching gears. That shift came on the Indians’ fifth play from scrimmage, as Mills bolted through a gaping hole over left tackle en route to a 41-yard TD run.

"Our coach told us to come out in the second half with a bang," Mills said.

Meanwhile, Harrison continued to administer bangs against the Bland defense. His next-to-last carry, however, was indicative of Rural Retreat’s smash-mouth veer offense – dragging two and three would-be Bland tacklers into the end zone from 16 yards out with 11:12 remaining.

"It’s our fourth year running it, and every year we’ve gotten faster," Harrison said. "It’s such a quick offense."

Shrader, who threw for 101 yards, found a wide-open Kris Kennedy on a 32-yard scoring strike late in the third to thwart Rural Retreat’s shutout plans.

However, the big plans are still very much with the Indians, who are again seeking regional glory in a most familiar spot.

"This group is capable of doing something no other Rural Retreat team has ever done," said Rural Retreat coach Quinton Hensley. "We’re getting closer, but I still think we have our best game ahead of us."

Scoring Summary

Bland County 0 0 6 6 – 12

Rural Retreat 7 7 13 7 – 34

RR – Harrison 1 run (Wright kick)

RR – Harrison 3 run (Wright kick)

RR – Mills 41 run (Wright kick)

RR – Harrison 1 run (kick failed)

BC – Kr. Kennedy 32 pass from Shrader (kick failed)

RR – Harrison 16 run (Wright kick)

BC – Kirk 28 run (kick failed)

Team Stats

First Downs: BC 15, RR 18; Rushes-Yards: BC 45-186, RR 40-399; Passing Yards: BC 101, RR 45; Comp-Att-Int: BC 6-9-1, RR 3-8-0; Fumbles-Lost: BC 2-1, RR 3-1; Penalties-Yards: BC 7-53, RR 4-40; Punts-Average: BC 0-0, RR 0-0.