Gilmer Bobcats defense has only allowed one touchdown in the first eight quarters of play in the 2012 season. After a season opening win against backyard rival Fannin County (45-6) the Gilmer Bobcats traveled to Sonoraville. The opening game resulted in two ejections, Colt Henderson and Jason Dover. After the officials report and review of game film, Dover was only one suspended for the game against Sonoraville.

Although there is no such thing as a good suspension, Dover’s could not have come at a better time. Sonoraville lost to Pickens 50-21. Dover is a first team linebacker and a Bobcat leading tackler.

The Bobcat defense is fast. The first team defense has not given up a single touchdown. Linebacker Austin Cole had seven solo and eight assist tackles. When Sonoraville was able to get past the front line they were not going to get past Conner Webber and Cameron Kephart. Webber had three tackles and Kephart had four. The closest Sonoraville came to the end zone was in the first quarter. On the Bobcat eight yard line Sonoraville quarterback was intercepted by Kephart to end the drive. This would be one of two interceptions of the night for the Bobcats. Late in the fourth quarter pressure from Brandon Butts caused the Sonoraville quarterback to throw another interception. Jay Shockey made the interception. The Bobcats have yet to show any weak spots in their defense.

After last week’s 197 yards passing, Hensley was held to only 96 yards. Hensley had several passes called back on penalties. The Bobcats had seven penalties called on them in the first half. Coach Tankersley thought several of the calls were a little questionable.

The Bobcats offense had to rely on the ground game. Gilmer had 321 total yards rushing for the night. Kephart had 126 yards rushing, averaging 21 yards a carry with one touchdown. Drew Morgan had eight carries averaging 5.6 yards per carry. It was fullback Tyler Bertolini’s night. Bertolini played power football with twenty carries averaging 4.8 yards a carry and three touchdowns. Bobcats started the third quarter up 21-0 and coach Tankersley decided to use the clock with the ground game. The Bobcats offensive frontline was up to the challenge. Opening holes and blocking is the only way you rush for 321 yards.

Manny Lopez remained perfect with four extra points and a 37 yard field goal. Lopez has ten extra points for the season and with two field goals a total of 16 points.

We asked coach Tankersley after the game what the team had to work on. He told us “definitely special teams.” The Bobcats allowed deep returns on kick offs and punts. If the Bobcats hope to keep their opponents out of the end zone they will have to stop giving out big returns.

The Bobcats travel again this week to take on the 0-2 Southeast Whitfield Raiders. Friday night game time is 7:30.

AAAARegion 7A
Gilmer 2-0
Cedartown 2-0
Pickens 1-0
Cass 1-1
River Ridge 0-2

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