During most of Friday night’s scrimmage at Armuchee, the main focus was on the two quarterbacks — one is a newcomer, and the other is a star returnee.

Both had eventful nights during Gordon Central’s 20-12 win.

Dre Prather, one of the premiere athletes in the area, suffered a head injury on Gordon Central’s second possession, and was held out of the game the rest of the way.

His injury — which occurred on a play in which he handed the ball off to Jayden Compton for a 35-yard touchdown run — caused considerable worry among the Warrior fans.

But after the game, head coach Chad Fisher put the worries to rest.

“He’s fine,” said Fisher, “and we expect him to be back for practice on Monday. He just got his bell rung on that play, and we (elected) to keep him out (to be safe).”

Prior to the injury, Prather completed 4-of-4 passes for 29 yards and ran for 17 yards on four carries.

Meanwhile, Armuchee’s Zach Payne, who is replacing the now-graduated T.C. Boyd, delivered some strong moments in his first varsity-level starting assignment at quarterback.

He was 3-of-9 passing for 74 yards, and also rushed five times for 30 yards.

Payne directed Armuchee on an eight-play, 55-yard scoring march in the third quarter. The drive was capped by Payne’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Marcel Hudson.

The twosome also hooked up on a 52-yard completion earlier in the game.

For Gordon Central, backup quarterback Tyshaun Clemmons, a sophomore, produced a solid performance after replacing Prather.

He completed 3-of-5 passes for 31 yards, and also ran for 44 yards on 10 carries.

On the ground, Compton, the Warriors’ junior running back, compiled the best numbers of the night. He rushed for 87 yards on 12 carries, including the 35-yard scoring run.

Gordon Central moved the ball with efficiency throughout the first half while building a 14-0 lead that actually could have been even bigger.

The Warriors moved 57 yards on 14 plays on their opening possession, but the drive ended with a turnover-on-downs at the 5-yard line. Gordon Central also missed a field goal after a 32-yard, eight-play drive in the second quarter.

The Warriors’ final possession of the first half was their best, moving 91 yards in 15 plays. Clemmons capped the drive with a 2-yard run with nine seconds left in the half.

Gordon Central amassed 138 rushing yards on 26 attempts in the first half. Armuchee rushed for 32 yards on six carries.

The JV players from each team played the final three minutes of the third quarter and the entire fourth period.

Chandler Curtis scored on a 16-yard run for Gordon Central, and Jacob Farmer had a 20-yard scoring run for the Indians.

Armuchee opens the season in on Aug. 27, hosting Trion. Gordon Central hosts Model.

REMEMBERING BRYANT

The scrimmage featured several tributes to former Armuchee assistant coach Tom Bryant, who died of a heart attack this summer.

There was a moment of silence for Bryant prior to kickoff, and after the game, the teams meet at midfield for a prayer in Bryant’s honor.

It was also announced that Armuchee has dedicated this season to Bryant’s memory.