There are some big rivalries in Georgia that may get more attention, but if you ask anyone who attends one of the annual Hart-Elbert wars, it is quickly apparent that the passion and fervor each community feels for their teams is no less intense or real. This rivalry, which started in 1921, draws huge local crowds and is one of the most intense and close rivalries in the state. Though the Blue Devils lead the series 48-37-2, the average margin of victory is only 1.02 points as Elbert has scored 891 points to 871 for Hart. Last year the Blue Devil’s walked away victorious, winning 24-14.

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Spooner Phillips

Hart (GA)

Spooner is a 4 year player on the Hart County Football team. He is #5 in his class and is described as an Ironman on the football field.

Luke Hall

Elbert

Luke is a 2-Year Letterman on the Varsity Football team and a 2-Year Letterman on the Soccer team. Luke is a member of Interact for 4 years and a Beta Club for 4 years. Luke is in the top 10 of his class for the past 3 years. Luke plans to attend UGA after graduation.

HALL OF FAME

Brent Adams

Hart (GA)

Brent played in the Elbert-Hart Rivalry for five seasons, 1966-1970 playing defensive and offensive tackle. Graduating from Elbert County High School in 1970. Brent then attended, played football and graduated from the University of Tennessee — Chattanooga. Starting all four years as an offensive guard and offensive tackle. Brent was selected as a Little All American in 1974. Brent was named Chattanooga’s Most Valuable Player in 1974. Brent was drafted in 1975 in the 8th round of the NFL Draft for the Atlanta Falcons. He started as an offensive guard and offensive tackle for the three seasons he was with the Atlanta Falcons. Brent played his final season in 1979 with the Los Angeles Rams where he started as an offensive guard.

Tim Johnson

Elbert

Tim played from 1987 – 1989 in this series. Time was an elite tailback converted from wide receiver. His teams posted a 3-0 record during his playing time in this series and he amassed over 320 yards in 4 games against Elbert Co. His teams won by a combined score of 59 – 9 in those 4 meetings. The first time he touched the ball in his career he ran for a 65 yard score against Gainesville and finished with 150 yards for the game. During his senior season he ran for 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns. After graduation he played for Bobby Ross at Georgia Tech for 1 year before transferring and finishing his career at Western Carolina.

GAME SUMMARY

On Friday, Hart and Elbert tied 13-13 which marked the 3rd tie in 88 games between the two schools at the newly remodeled Hart County High School football field. Elbert County went ahead early on a 1st quarter touchdown followed by a 2nd quarter Hart County touchdown which made the score 7-7 at halftime. Elbert County was able to connect on two 3rd quarter field goals which made it a one score game heading into the 4th. With five minutes left in the quarter the Bulldogs were able to get into the end-zone but missed the extra point which made it a tie game. A last second 45 yard field goal attempt by the Blue Devils did not connect and the game ended.