Habersham Central opened the 2022 season with a non-counting scrimmage against East Hall in Gainesville on Friday night. After a lengthy lightning delay just minutes into the contest, the Raiders teased the fans with a sample of what could be in store for the season.

Blandon Grizzle, who comes in as the first shot at being the featured back, showed why he’s worthy of the hype, as he scored the first TD from a yard out with 1:40 to go in the first. He put Habersham in the position with a huge run, and was rewarded with the first score of the year.

The defense played well, and just a couple minutes later, Carson Parker conntected with Landyn Savage on a 39-yd TD with 11:25 to go in the second, pushing the Raider lead up to 14-0. East Hall converted a third-and-long pass play in response, setting up with a fresh set of downs inside the 10-yard line. However, the defense recovered a fumble. Parker led the drive downfield, and scored on a rushing TD from five yards out with 4:15 left in the second. The extra point missed, giving Habersham a 20-0 commanding lead.

Braden Henslee came up with a big interception, giving the Raiders great field position. They wasted no time, as Grizzlen notched his second TD with a 4-yd plunge for pay dirt and the 27-0 lead with just 56 seconds to go. That lead held to the break, Hab Central flexed on both sides of the ball in this one.

The Raiders will officially begin the season against archrivals Stephens County at The Reservation in Toccoa on August 19.