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…