The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team held their annual Purple & White scrimmage game on Friday, giving the 2013 edition of the Bobcats the chance to hit the gridiron in front of the fans for the first time.The opening quarter of play saw both sides shut the other out on the scoreboard, leading to a 0-0 deadlock at the end of the first quarter. The scoring finally came into play with 7:24 remaining in the first half of play, as White team defensive back Chris James intercepted Purple quarterback Thaddeus Bowers’ pass and returned it all the way back for a touchdown, giving the White team an early 7-0 advantage.

The defenses continued to frustrate both offenses until halftime was nearly upon them; that’s when James, now playing quarterback for the White team, connected with wide receiver Corey Waters for a 45 yard touchdown on the White team’s first play of the new possession, stretching White’s advantage in the ballgame to 14-0.

The Purple team did all they could to cut into White’s lead in order to make it a competitive game, but penalties and turnovers were too problematic for them in the second half, leaving a talented section of the Bobcats’ team with no points. When it was all said and done, the White team would win the scrimmage 14-0.

Despite the shutout by the White defense, the Purple offense actually outgained their counterparts on the White sidelines, racking up 154 total yards (82 via passing, 72 via rushing). The White team managed to gain a total of 85 yards in the scrimmage, with 50 yards coming from the passing game and 35 yards thanks to their strong running game.