JV Bobcats Rise Above Rebels: 19-14

The Gilmer High School Bobcats junior varsity football team, hosted the rival Rebels of Fannin County High School, and posted a 19-14 victory. The victory made a clean sweep for the Bobcats, as the varsity football team snapped an eight year losing streak to its northern neighbor.The Bobcats began the game with a Gilmer touchdown on the first drive. After Corey Chastain took the opening kickoff into Fannin territory, he moved the “Cats” into the red zone with a long catch on third and 15. Chris James eventually scored on the ground from six yards out. Gilmer went for two and was unsuccessful leaving the score 6-0.

After holding the Rebels to a three and out, the Bobcats took over on the Gilmer 42. Gilmer was unable to move the ball, due to a severe case of fumblitius, and had to punt back to Fannin.

The second quarter began with the Bobcats still up by six. Following a Fannin punt that was shorter than shoeless midget, Gilmer had the ball at the Pickens 48. The Bobcats were unable to capitalize due to a Fannin fourth down stop.

The Gilmer offense took over after a Jay Shockey interception was returned to the Fannin five yard line. On fourth and goal, Chastain scored the second Bobcat touchdown. After a successful point after attempt, Gilmer lead 13-0 with 5:38 left in the first half.

The Gilmer defense rose against the Rebels again as the Bobcats stopped the visitors on fourth and five, taking over at the Fannin 47 yard line. On first down, Chastain’s first down run gave the Bobcats the ball on the Rebel 33 yard line. Three plays later James scored again, on a five yard touchdown run. With 1:21 left in the half, the Bobcats held a 19-0 lead after the missed extra point attempt. The half ended with the score the same.

A failed onside kick attempt, gave Fannin the ball on its own 43 yard line. Two Rebels runs gave Fannin a first down. Chase Kephart put the Rebels in second in long with a sack on first down. Fannin failed to get another first down during the drive, and was forced to punt.

The Gilmer offense moved the ball to the Bobcats 38 yard line, however, several negative plays forced a punt. The snap was high and the Rebels recovered on the Gilmer 13 yard line. Tyler Beaver eventually scored for the Rebels; however, he was stuffed by the defense on the two point attempt, leaving the score 19-6 with 2:38 left in the third.

The defenses ruled the last quarter as neither team was able to find much success. Gilmer eventually took a safety with 1:22 left in the game, rather than risk a punt block deep in its own end zone.

The Rebels took the ensuing kick off deep into Gilmer territory, starting the possession at the Bobcats’ 39 yard line. Dokata Queen caught a touchdown with 18.4 second left making the score 19-14. The Gilmer defense stopped the two point conversion attempt, and the return team recovered the onsides attempt, effectively ending the game.