Bobcat Turf Talk – Standard Gets First Win

GHS Football, Team FYN Sports

“How bout ya Bobcats!!” yelled Coach Paul Standard to his team as they gathered around him following their 34-21 victory on the road at Murray County.

It was new Head Coach Paul Standard’s 175th career victory, and his first at Gilmer High School. Although it was just the second game under Standard’s leadership, the imprints of a coach used to winning is already emerging. As the Head Coach at St. Pius for 20 seasons, he has twice led teams that played 15 games, had two undefeated regular seasons, while winning eight region titles. More importantly for Gilmer, Standard’s teams were able to compete at a level where they had to do more with less. Most people tend to think it’s easy to win at a private school, often times that isn’t actually the case when you’re playing with some of the biggest public schools in the state.

Week one saw the cancellation of the annual rivalry with Pickens. In retrospect, that would have been a better benchmark for the progress of the team rather than the Thursday match up with Ringgold. The Cats were clearly outmatched in their opener and couldn’t get much going.

Which brings us to their matchup at Murray County Friday night. A team the Bobcats defeated a year ago in Ellijay with a thrilling goal line stand.

The Bobcats came out strong in the first half. An early Brock Titus touchdown made it 7-0 within the first three minutes. Murray looked to throw the ball around but didn’t have much luck on their first two drives and were forced to punt. Gilmer got the ball back and embarked on a drive six minute drive from inside their own 20. The drive was capped by a play action pass to Kobe Stonecipher for the touchdown to make it 14-0.

Murray put together a drive that stalled out around midfield. The ensuing punt was blocked by Dom Tarantino. It seemed like a play that would allow Gilmer to put away the Indians early. It wasn’t to be, as the Gilmer offense took a shot downfield that was intercepted. A lengthy return was called back due to a penalty.

Senior DB Dom Tarantino blocks the Murray punt.

The young Cats defense once again bent, but did not break. They got the ball back with a little over two minutes remaining in the half. What seemed like a chance to run out the clock and escape the first half with a shut out in tact seemed to be the obvious move. Instead the Bobcats ratcheted up their tempo and went right down the field. Senior QB Seth Darling connected with Senior Dom Tarantino for a touchdown with just 14 seconds remaining until the break.

Sophomore LB Blake Reece sacks the Murray QB.

Gilmer’s offense again got to work on their first possession of the second half, already up 21-0. The Darling led triple option attack worked exactly the way it was drawn up. Murray seemed off balance, as the Cats playbook gradually opened up throughout the third quarter. The drive was capped off by a Seth Darling keeper to the left side to make it 27-0. Freshman Talyn Curtis added his fourth extra point to make it 28-0.

Senior QB Seth Darling pitches the ball.

The Murray Indians were finally able to break through on their ensuing possession. They hit a big play to score a touchdown from midfield. The extra point made it 28-7 with 4:32 left in the third. It would stay that way going into the fourth, as the Bobcats offense got back to work.

Yet again, the Gilmer offense was able to rip off huge chunks of yards from scrimmage. With 10:02 left Stonecipher ran it in for his second score of the game. The extra point failed, making it 34-7.

It seemed as if the Stonecipher touchdown would be the final nail. Credit to the Murray offense though. They were able to score again another long touchdown and convert a two point play to make it 34-15.

The onside kick failed, but they were able to force Gilmer’s first and only punt of the game. Murray was able to move it down the field again. Kobe Stonecipher appeared to make an incredible game ending interception that was ruled incomplete. The Indians took advantage of the call by scoring a few plays later. The two point conversion failed to make it 34-21.

Stonecipher interception ruled incomplete.

After another failed onside kick the Gilmer offense took control and didn’t look back. They were able to stifle the comeback with three consecutive first downs. Seth Darling took a knee and the Cats were in the win column to improve to 1-1 on the season.

Afterward, an exuberant Paul Standard had much to say about the effort…

“I thought we played great defense in the first half, our offensive line was all underclassmen due to some illness on the team, they really grew up tonight.”

On QB Seth Darling: “Seth Darling at Quarterback is a leader, there’s a lot of pressure on Seth learning a whole new offense.”

On the Gilmer football program: “Obviously we’ve got a million miles to go… but here’s what I’d like the public to know. These guys have been down for a while, for a lot of reasons. I’m proud that the 53 we got who made a commitment to be part of this program are giving it all they got. I’m happy to see the fruits of their labor.”

The Bobcats return home this week for a match up with East Jackson High School. Kickoff is at 7:30pm.

 

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Kobe Stonecipher

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Congratulations to the Gilmer Bobcats’ Kobe Stonecipher for being named this week’s Player of the Week in the season opener!

Kobe stood out in the season opener against Fannin on Friday. He had several successful kick returns, and scored the only touchdown of the night for the Bobcats! Congratulations again, Kobe! Good luck for the rest of this season!

 

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Ashton White, No. 24

Player Of The Week, Sports, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer

The Gilmer County Bobcats got their first region win of the 2019 season. Ashton White was a huge help in getting that victory.

Ashton White had 20 carries for 79 yards and one touchdown. He scored the only touchdown for the Bobcats.

Gilmer went into the half down 7-6 but came back to win 17-14. Congratulations to Ashton White- this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for Gilmer!

Gilmer

Bobcats get a region win over Raiders 17-14

Sports, Team FYN Sports
Bobcats

Welcome back FYNSports fans to another great Friday night under the lights. Lets start off with the Gilmer Bobcats (2-3/1-1) travelling to Southeast Whitfield Raiders (0-6/0-3) for region play.

The Bobcats won the toss and elected to defer till the 2nd half.
The Raiders first possession was filled with penalties and missed passes as they tried to drive the Bobcats back. After a 4 and out by the Raiders the Bobcats got their first chance of the evening to get early points on the board. The Bobcats were, however, able to push the Raiders back into their redzone, but unable to punch it in from short yardage settled on a 20+yd FG. Gilmer now with an early 3-0 lead tried to slow down the Raiders efforts, but came up short allowing them to score a touchdown making it 3-7.
Bobcats

The Bobcats in the huddle.

The Bobcats would answer back again with yet another short yardage FG decreasing the Raiders lead to just one.

Neither team was really able to get things going in the first half of the game. The Raiders were plagued by early penalties and the Bobcats wsre unable to get there run game established, but Aftwr a late fumble recovery with less than a minute left in the half  Gilmer tried to score again, but was slowed down by penalties and a Raider defense sending them into halftime with a score of 6–7 Raiders.
Coming back out of the half, Gilmer would go on to win the game 17-14! Ashton White, who had 20 carries for 79 yards, scored a touchdown for Gilmer! He led the team with most carries on the night, and tied with Gray Mcclure for most rushing yards. Adolfo Bautista added nine points to the board with three successful field goals on the night.
Catch them next week as they host Heritage at home!

Pre-season football interview with new Bobcats head coach

GHS Football, Gilmer High School, Team FYN Sports

With the start of a new football season comes a new head coach for the Gilmer Bobcats, and Kevin Saunders has a vision for the program.

“I have a vision, we’re gonna do it. It’s gonna be hard, you can’t miss, you have to make a commitment to the program.”

For Saunders, all focus is on the future.

“This team’s not 0-30, this team has never lost a game, never won a game. What they’ve done in the past is the past, this is a completely different team.”

Watch the rest of the interview below with BKP, only on Team FYN Sports.

 

https://youtu.be/efklM1YpSrM

Casey Wingard Excited For 2018 Football

Team FYN Sports

QB David Smith gives the ball to Hunter Bowyer

As the 2018 Bobcats prepare for the upcoming football season Coach Casey Wingard took some time away from practice to field a few questions and discuss his thoughts on his team.(See Interview Below)  With a new coaching staff standing with him on the sidelines, Wingard is excited to finally have the staff to completely focus on the needs of his football team.

Gilmer High School has brought guys in from Florida, Tennessee and area schools to fill a complete staff for the first time in several years.  These coaches will be able to work one on one with specific positions both on offense and defense. In doing this, the skills of these athletes will improve during practice which will allow them to perform at a higher level in the games on Friday night.  The coaches for the offense are Trey Rickman-Offensive Coordinator(Franklin Co.), Alan Ramfiord-offensive line(retired), Justin Clutter-Wide Receivers(Rabun Co.), Taylor Johnstone-Tight ends/Running Backs(Riverridge) and Cole Fairst-Lay Coach Offensive Line(college).  The defensive coaches for the Bobcats are Will Dodaro-Defensive Coordinator(Monarch H.S. in Florida), Jason Poteet-Defensive Line(Lafayette), Charles Higdon-Defensive Backs(Etowah) and Pat Daley-Linebackers(Copper Basin H.S. in Tennessee.  the Video Coordinator that keeps the film for the coaching staff is Todd Gibson.

The Bobcats had 4 seniors graduate last school year which will allow a large amount of returning players that received playing time last season.  Several of the upcoming seniors are already stepping up to take leadership roles on the team.  Wingard stated that they will talk to the younger players in the locker room and even carry that leadership to the field.  Coming off of a 2017 season that was not favorable to the Bobcats, there could be a blessing in that for this year.   With close to 15 seniors returning, the veteran Bobcats are staying focused and training harder to not only produce a winning season but to build camaraderie with the younger payers and upcoming freshman.

The Bobcats will open up their regular season against the Rebels of Fannin Co. on August 17th ready to put their hard work at practice to the test.

See the full interview with Coach Casey Wingard here:

Team FYNSports Sports Writer Player of the Week – David Smith

Bobcat's Corner, Player Of The Week

Gilmer Bobcats D. Smith #7 was able to hold his offense together facing a tough Union County Panthers Defense Friday Night. Smith completed several passes, 2 for touchdowns and was also able to run the ball. He is the perfect definition of a double threat QB. This kid shows heart and outstanding character and that is hard to do when you see your team loosing by 50+ points. When you are able to keep your composure and still make positive plays by completing passes, picking up yards by running the ball and  not afraid to take a hit, that in my book is what you call a team leader. This young man is very impressive and I enjoy getting to watch him perform on Friday nights.

 

The Gilmer Bobcats Host The Union County Panthers 08/25/17

Bobcat's Corner, GHS Football

The Gilmer Bobcats were defeated by the Union County Panthers Friday night at Huff Mosely Stadium 56-14, giving the Bobcats their 2nd loss of the season in a row. The Panthers started off strong by scoring two touchdowns in their first two possesions of the game giving them a quick 14-0 lead over the Bobcats.

Gilmer Bobcats, GHS, Friday Night Football, Bobcat football, TeamFYNSports

The Bobcats did however show improvement over last week on both sides of the ball, causing fumbles, rushing to the quarterback and making the panthers fight for yardage on occasion. The Bobcats lost possession with a costly fumbled which resulted in another Panther touchdown after the recovery.

The Bobcats next possession went 4 and out and resulted in a punt by Senior D. Mccue. The Panthers had a 63 yard punt return for a touchdown which gave the panthers a 28-0 lead over the Bobcats within the first few seconds of the 2nd quarter. The Bobcats defense stepped up and caused a fumble in the end zone on the Panthers’ next possession resulting in a touch back. Gilmer started their next possession with a 9 yard QB keeper by D. Smith but ended the drive with a turnover on downs going for it on a 4th and 1.

After a great performance by both bands during halftime, the Bobcats first drive ended early with a fumble on 2nd down which ended up giving the Panthers great field position and resulted in a Panther touchdown. This gave the Panthers a 42-0 score over the Bobcats with just a few mins left in the 3rd quarter. The Bobcats answered with an amazing 34 yard pass by D. Smith who met Senior wide receiver B. Buntin for a  41 yard touchdown run.

This gave the Bobcats a boost of momentum scoring their first points in a regular season game. The Bobcats went for a 2 pt conversion but were stopped in the back field, putting the score at 42-6 with 4:42 left in the 3rd quarter. The Panthers were not phased by the touchdown Gilmer scoring. On the Panthers next drive they answered with a touchdown run putting them 43 points over the Bobcats.

On the Bobcats following drive they failed to pick up a first down and were forced to punt the ball back to the Panthers, giving them yet another chance to score. Bringing the score to Panthers 56 – Bobcats 6. The Bobcats showed no signs of weakness or discouragement, loosing by 50 points.

Gilmer Football, D. Smith, Quarterback, GHS, Bobcats, TeamFYNSportsOn the Bobcats following possession D. Smith found Sophomore, D. Finley for a hard fought touchdown catch in the end zone. Then Gilmer’s Nathan Carpenter was able to run the ball up the middle to pick up the 2 point conversion.

The Panthers next drive ended in a fumble and the Bobcats recovered, Nathan Carpenter (Gilmer) ran the ball up the middle for a nice nine yard pickup to end the game. Gilmer will travel to Cedartown to face the Bulldogs this Friday at 7:30. No stats for the Gilmer/Union game are available at this time.

Gilmer Bobcats Suffered Defeat in Season Opener

Bobcat's Corner, GHS Football

The season opener game for the Bobcats ended with a defeat by the Fannin Rebels on Friday night. The final score: 42-0. The Rebels dominated on both sides of the ball offensively and defensively. The player that stood out most, #15 Cody Jacobs, was a huge part in their victory. The Bobcats fought hard, but gave up several big gains and ended every drive with a punt.

The Bobcats had over thirty five yards lost by penalties and in one play the Bobcats even received a safety by the Rebels defense. The Bobcats defense struggled in closing the gap up the middle which was the strongest points for the run game. While the Bobcat coaches and players were very frustrated with how the game was going, they never gave up and the players definitely left everything they had on the field that night.

 

This Friday, the Bobcats will host the Union county Panthers at Huff Mosely Stadium at 7:30, and Bobcat fans will be there supporting the team, and hoping they can make a comeback. GO CATS!  No stats from Friday night’s game are available at the time.

Bobcats Breakdown: Grage Gabs Gilmer’s Summer

Team FYN Sports

Gilmer High School new football coach, Zach Grage, recently sat down with Team FYN Sports to discuss the Bobcats summer program. The Cats recently attended a seven on seven passing camp at Dalton High School, and despite falling in both games, Grage and staff were happy with the progress being made against top competition. Grage also spoke about the Parks and Rec department meetings on integrating the youth program with the high school’s.

https://gilmer.fetchyournews.com/2015/07/15/parks-and-rec-partners-with-ghs/

To see the full interview with Grage, view below.

https://youtu.be/6_LuFarlyLM

Gilmer’s Grage Gives Exclusive Video Interview

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

New Gilmer High School head football coach, Zach Grage, recently sat down with FYN to talk about his direction and vision for the Bobcats program. The full exclusive video interview can be viewed below. (more…)

James Jumps to Valdosta

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

Gilmer High School’s quarteback, Chris James, signed a football scholarship to play at Valdosta State. James was 1st Team All Region 7-AAAA and led to the team to a third place finish in the region and a state playoff birth his as a senior. (more…)

Gilmer High School Head Football Coach Search Update

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

It is well known that Gilmer High School head coach, Wesley Tankersley, recently resigned from his position as head coach of the Bobcats’ football team. FYN recently sat down with Gilmer High School principal, Eric McFee, and Athletic Director, Mike Putman, to discuss the hiring process and to discover its details. (more…)

Bobcats Scratch Out Win to make Playoffs

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

Scratching and clawing, the Gilmer High School Bobcats football team brought the regular season down to 22 seconds before securing a AAAA playoff spot. The Gilmer Bobcats won friday night against the Heritage Generals 27-20. A playoff spot was on the line for both teams and the Generals did not go easy without a fight. (more…)

Bobcats Bumrush: Ramblers Routed 62-27

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team hosted the Lafayette Ramblers on “Senior Night.” The Ramblers entered the game 2-6 on the season and 0-4 in Region 7-AAAA. Conversely the home team was 6-1 and 3-1. The “Cats” cruised to victory, lambasting Lafayette 62-27, largely on the legs of Russell Cochran who rushed for a school record 319 yards and five touchdowns. (more…)

Gilmer Routes Raiders: 28-7

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team traveled to Southeast Whitfield High School to take on the Raiders; however, it was the Bobcats who pillaged and plundered, as Gilmer got a 28-7 road victory. (more…)

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