The rebuilding process continues for the Fayette County Tigers.

Houston County forced seven turnovers, converting three into 17 points, in a 31-0 victory Friday over host Fayette.

It was the second loss in as many weeks for Fayette (0-2), which went undefeated during the regular season last year.

Fayette’s offense, which has only one returning starter, running back Tim Pettaway, showed its inexperience early and often, turning the ball over seven times (four times in the first half, three
in the second).

"The seven turnovers made it difficult, and our inability to run the ball (Fayette had only 34 yards rushing) made it difficult," Fayette coach Tommy Webb said. "We made too many mistakes. If we had eliminated those mistakes, it could have been a lot closer."

The Tigers turned the ball over on their first two series.

Fayette’s first turnover occurred on the third play from scrimmage when Pettaway, who started the game at quarterback, was strip-sacked by Houston County defensive end Jamal Sales, and Sales’ teammate, defensive tackle Jacob Walker, recovered.

The Bears converted the turnover into their first touchdown of the night, a 1-yard run by Garrick Davis.

Fayette almost escaped Houston County’s opening drive without allowing Davis’ touchdown — Fayette cornerback Corey Smith broke up back-to-back passes by Houston County cornerback Jeff Thompson in the end zone on second and third downs.

But, on fourth-and-25 from the Fayette 30-yard line, Houston County drew a pass interference penalty against the Tigers, giving itself a new set of downs at the Fayette 15.

Another significant problem for Fayette throughout the night was missed tackles.

Davis’ second touchdown, on an 8-yard run on Houston County’s second series of the second quarter, capped a nine-play, 70-yard drive on which Fayette missed numerous tackles.

Houston County had three plays on the drive that picked up 10-plus yards: a 14-yard pass from Thompson to wide receiver Shelton Whitley, a 20-yard run by Davis and a 20-yard run by Robert Williams.

The turnover bug bit Fayette again with two minutes left in the first half.

Fayette freshman quarterback Justin Murray was looking to dump the ball off to Pettaway, but Houston County linebacker Derek Carter stepped in front of Pettaway to intercept Murray’s pass and return it about 50 yards for a touchdown, making it 21-0.

It was the beginning of a rough night for Murray, who was intercepted by Houston County free safety Jalani Phillips on Fayette’s next play from scrimmage.

A 1-yard run by Williams in the third quarter and a 31-yard field goal by Thompson in the fourth quarter completed the scoring.

One of the few bright spots for Fayette was its defense’s ability to force turnovers. It forced four: linebacker Andre Columbus recovered two fumbles, and safety H.J. Simmons and defensive end Tres Swain each recovered one.

Houston County had a considerable edge in total yards of offense: 276 to Fayette's 103.

Fayette's defense, which spent most of the night on the field, was led by linebackers Josh Atwater (17 total tackles, one for loss), Columbus (14 total tackles) and Evan Reid (14 total tackles), nose guard Malcolm Reid (eight total tackles) and free safety Kendall Palmore (12 total tackles).