When crunch time came, Bryan County’s seniors--led by quarterback Trevor Lanier--did what seniors are supposed to do: they made plays and led.

One of Bryan County coach Cherard Freeman’s concerns going into the season was replacing a strong group of senior leaders off last year’s Final Four team.

“I don’t know who our leaders are going to be,” Freeman said after a pre-season scrimmage two weeks ago. “I don’t see anyone really stepping up. I’m concerned.”

Freeman’s concern looked real in the early going in last Friday night’s opener against Johnson as the Redskins were floundering offensively and trailed 12-6 at the half before rallying to pull out a 20-12 win.

Lanier playing quarterback came as a bit of a surprise in that junior Ger’bravion Collins and freshman Gunner Ennis got all the snaps in pre-season scrimmage games. Lanier was an observer on the sidelines while he recovered from a shoulder injury.

“I didn’t have a practice in pads in pre-season,” said Lanier, who scored the game tying touchdown and led the winning drive which saw Anddreas McKinney score with 44 seconds to play. “I didn’t get clearance to play until Tuesday of this week.”

Lanier is not a stranger to the quarterback position: he started the final four games of his freshman season and was a starter as a sophomore as he helped lead the Redskins to the playoffs. Last year, he was an all-region tight end as Sean Kelly Hill, who had started as a freshman and sophomore, played quarterback.

“This was a big win, definitely a big win for us,” Lanier said. “It started out a little ugly but we made plays when we had to.”

For nearly three quarters, the game was an offensive nightmare for the Redskins who had five turnovers including an interception on the first possession of the second half. Johnson had maintained its halftime lead until Lanier scored with 6:20 to play.

Bryan County got the ball back with 3:42 remaining thanks to back-to-back tackles for losses. Senior Allen Williams got through for a 4-yard loss and senior Matthew Huff and Mckinny teamed to sack the Atom Smashers quarterback to force a punt.

Senior cornerback Elijah Mincey had a 19-yard return and from there Lanier led the game-winning 41-yard drive which was aided by a pass interference call. Senior Gaige Javis had 16 yards on four carries and McKinny went the final eight yards on a power sweep to the left.

Senior wide receiver Mike Smith had the key block to spring McKinny. It capped a big night for Smith who recovered two fumbles along with an interception.

“We talked at halftime about doing the little things to win ball games,” Coach Cherard Freeman said. “Even though Anddreas scored the touchdown it’s the little things that’s going to make you a winner. That little block Mike had was a big thing that let us score the touchdown.”

While his team struggled offensively for most of the night, Lanier felt he was ready for the moment despite his limited practice time.

“I felt like I was ready to lead this team,” Lanier said. “I had a great practice week. We didn’t necessarily play well in the first half but we came out in the second and showed we could play.

“Our defense played really well and our offensive line was ready,” Lanier said. “Our backs were scary in the first half, but they held onto the ball in the second half and got us the yardage we needed. Our linemen stepped up for our backs and our backs stepped up for our linemen…it was a good team win.”

Lanier was not sure when he might be able to get back on the field after suffering a torn labrum four months ago. He was quick to give credit to his orthopedic surgeon for helping with his recovery.

“I have a great doctor,” Lanier said. “Dr. (Don) Aaron really made this happen for me. I’ve had a speedy recovery and he’s been a great help. He made me feel real comfortable about my shoulder and being able to come out and play.”