The Madison County boys’ varsity squad is 3-4 on the season. Now the Red Raiders get set for a rematch this week against traditional rival Franklin County.
During last Friday’s home game with the Lions, Madison County had a close game throughout the first half, but were outscored in the third quarter as Franklin County won 50-37.
The Red Raiders bounced back on Saturday, earning a 62-56 win over Elbert County. They now look to settle the score with Franklin County, as the boys in red travel to Carnesville for the 7:30 p.m. tip-off Saturday.
The Madison County Red Raiders take the following week off for Christmas, but return Dec. 27-29 for the Oconee County Warrior Holiday Classic.
The Red Raiders will face Heritage, Hebron Christan and Oconee County in the tournament. Madison County will begin sub-region play after the first of the year.
In the traditional rivalry game between Franklin County and Madison County last week, the Red Raiders played a solid game with several steals and 24 rebounds, but couldn’t find the hole in the second half as the Lions took a 50-37 win.
After the first quarter, Madison County trailed by two, 14-12. The Red Raiders put up 11 points in the second quarter, slipping further behind as Franklin County scored 16. During the third and fourth quarters, Madison County only put up 14 points.
Franklin County played an aggressive game off the boards, pulling down 43 rebounds, almost double Madison County’s rebounds.
Shot selection played a key role as Franklin County hit 50 percent inside the paint. Madison County’s shooters hit 26 percent from the perimeter and a little better inside at 37 percent. Turnovers were tied 13 apiece.
Elbert County
Madison County headed to Elbert County Saturday to pick up their third win of the season in a 62-56 contest.
Elbert County went on a 12-point run early on as Madison County was only able to put up a field goal in response. By the end of the first quarter, Elbert County’s early lead was cut down to eight as the Red Raiders trailed 20-12.
Madison County managed a one point lead in the second quarter, but Elbert County responded with an outside shot and capitalized on a turnover to put up an additional two points to end the half 34-30 in Elbert’s favor.
Madison County came out in the third quarter looking to eliminate the deficit. The Red Raiders outscored Elbert County, 14-11 to trail by one as the game headed into the final period. Some more back and forth action resulted in Madison County holding onto a tenuous lead with just under three minutes left, 55-53.
However a seven point run, with several coming from the free throw line, led the Red Raiders to the final victory, 62-56.
For more Raider action, see the Madison County Journal. 
