FLOWERY BRANCH — Coming into Friday night’s season opener against Stephens County, one thing was for certain: With several skill players returning, the Flowery Branch offense had the potential to perform well.

What was unknown, however, was how the defense would perform after losing several key players.

After holding Stephens to 80 yards of total offense in the first half en route to a 38-8 win, it is safe to say the Falcons look strong on both sides of the ball.

"(The defense) came out tonight and stepped up," Flowery Branch coach Lee Shaw said. "We worked out a few kinks after the scrimmage and tonight, it looked like the ‘Black Swarm’ was back."

Led by senior linebackers Cory Sanderson and Brandon Tewksbury, the defense held the Indians without a first down until 25 seconds remaining in the first quarter and didn’t allow a score until the start of the fourth.

"I’ve got to brag on (defensive coordinator) Chris Griffin and his staff," Shaw said. "They came up with a plan that was best for our team and made sure they executed it.

"We just made the plays that needed to be made and looked good doing it."

While the defense stood up and stood out Friday night against the Indians, it wasn’t the only aspect of the Falcons game that clicked. Sophomore running back Imani Cross rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns, both in the first half, to lead Flowery Branch’s offense.

"I just wanted to go in and help my team win," Cross said. "I wanted to run as hard as I could and, thankfully, the linemen did a great job and allowed me to do that."

Cross’ first score came with just over four minutes left in the first quarter on a 23-yard run.

His second came about three minutes later on a 3-yard scamper. It was set up by an interception by Destin Tipton at the Falcons 31-yard line, the second turnover caused by the defense in the first quarter, and two straight runs by quarterback Connor Shaw totalling 25 yards.

"(Cross) is our horse," Shaw said. "Last year, I kept him in the stable a little bit and let him get some experience, but this is his year.

"We’re going to ride that back as long as he’ll let us."

The sophomore’s most impressive run set up a late touchdown for Shaw. After the Indians’ lone score of the night, Darius Kimbrough returned the ensuing kickoff 54 yards only to have it called back to the Indians’ 43 by a block-in-the-back penalty.

On the drive’s first play from scrimmage, Cross ran up the middle 43 yards to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Shaw four plays later.

The Falcons finished with 300 of their 376 yards of offense on the ground. Shaw (80 yards), Kimbrough, Rodney Young, Kyle Famiano and Storm Tipton, along with Cross, each contributed to that total with Shaw accounting for two more rushing scores, both in the fourth quarter.

"Connor (Shaw) played the way you want your quarterback to play," said Shaw of his son, who also was 10-for-15 passing with 76 yards and one touchdown. "I’m proud of his leadership; he never failed to bounce back and make plays.

"He’s a big catalyst for us out there."

Shaw’s lone passing touchdown came in the second quarter when, after being flushed out of the pocket and sprinting to his right, he hit Rodriquez Frazier in the back of the end zone to give his team a 21-0 advantage.

Frazier and Kimbrough finished as the Falcons’ leading receivers with 21 and 31 yards, respectively. All told, Shaw found six receivers on the night.

The Indians only score of the night came at the start of the fourth quarter when freshman running back Chaz Thornton ran in from 9-yards out.

Thornton finished the second half, the only half he played, with 124 yards rushing on 10 carries.

Senior quarterback Dacen Cash finished the game 10-of-14 passing for 45 yards and Dre Cunningham was the second leading rusher with 63 yards.

The Falcons’ special teams got in on the action, too. Not only did kicker Billy Thompson convert each of his point after attempts, but he put all but one kickoff in the end zone, helping the defense by the Indians’ starting seven of their drives on the Falcons’ 20-yard line.

Punter Will Monday contributed, too, averaging 44.6 yards on three attempts.

"Stephens County had to play on a long field all night long," Shaw said. "Our kickers are an invaluable part of this team and are two of the best in this state, not just our region.

"I can’t say enough about what they did for us tonight."

Flowery Branch returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lumpkin County.