PREP FOOTBALL: Branford faces daunting task against top-ranked Hawthorne in Rural playoff opener

Branford running back Ollie James dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Hamilton County on Nov. 1. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)
Branford running back Ollie James dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Hamilton County on Nov. 1. (JACK HOWDESHELL/Lake City Reporter)

BRANFORD ­— Despite the growing list of key injuries throughout this trying season, Branford was able to survive with a respectable 6-3 record.

For their resilience, the 16th-ranked Buccaneers were rew…