In a game that the Bobcats slipped up in last year, Gilmer High School’s football team looked to not repeat history this time around as the “Cats” faced the Knights of River Ridge on Senior Night. Gilmer was coming off one of the most exciting games of the year, beating rival Pickens in dominating fashion and wanted to continue that momentum into this game. Gilmer would overcome a sluggish start and poured on the points in the second half, taking the win 37-13.Gilmer won the toss and elected to defer. River Ridge would set up shop on its own 30-yard line following the kickoff. On a fourth and inches, the Knights were overanxious and moved too quickly leading to a punt.

Gilmer started with the ball on the 27-yard line. After a Johnie Flakes five yard gain, Victor Ramirez busted loose for a 40 yard run down to the Knight 28-yard line. Tyler Bertolini took the rock and gained two yards, and Flakes followed with fourteen more.

This was as close as the offense would get though, as a couple of negative plays would keep Gilmer out of the end zone. Manny Lopez entered the game to attempt the 33-yard field goal, and he put it through the uprights giving Gilmer a 3-0 lead with 5:19 remaining in the first quarter.

The Knights’ next drive wouldn’t be as short as the previous one. Starting at the River Ridge 35-yard line, the Knights quarterback took over. He threw a dart for seven yards, then kept the ball on the option and picked up 26 more.

Another seven yard run by the quarterback had the Knights on the Bobcat 25-yard line. The next play saw the Knights run it in for a touchdown, but to the Knights dismay there was a holding call.

The Knights drove to the 1-yard line and Nathan Bradley did his best to keep River Ridge out of the end zone, making a big stop along with other Bobcat defenders. The quarterback was able to break the plane on a sneak, and the “Cats” found themselves down 7-3 with 2:55 to go in the first quarter.

Gilmer would return the kickoff to its own 24-yard line. Bertolini got things started with a seven yard run, then tacked on two more to set up a 3rd and short. Flakes took the ball and got just enough yardage to move the chains for a fresh set of downs.

This time, Flakes picked up the nine yards on a pass from Thaddeus Bowers and the first down was converted by Bertolini. Flakes then showcased his speed, running right and picking up 41 yards down to the River Ridge 11-yard line.

Bertolini took the next carry, getting stuffed for no gain. The defense couldn’t do it twice though, as he took the next carry to the house. Lopez added the extra point, and with 10:48 left to go in the half, Gilmer was on top 10-7.

River Ridge moved the ball with ease on the ensuing drive, mostly thanks to a 42-yard run by the Knights quarterback. The Bobcats had the offense stopped at the Gilmer 22-yard line as it was 4th and 2, but an encroachment penalty gave River Ridge a first down.

The Knights worked down to inside the 5-yard line, where Bertolini and Chad Watkins were leading the goal line stand. With 4th down and goal from the 1-yard line, the Knights punched it in.

Coach Wesley Tankersley, was furious and told Flakes to block the PAT. He did just that, coming off the edge with the speed he’s known for. There was 5:49 left in the half, and Gilmer trailed 13-10.

Neither team was able to put anything together for the remainder of the half. Corey Waters made a great open field tackle that saved a big play from happening. At halftime, the “Cats” trailed the Knights 13-10.

Something happened in the Gilmer locker room at halftime and it was fairly evident to anyone watching the game. Flakes set the Bobcats up with good field position after he broke some tackles and returned the ball to the Bobcat 43-yard line on the second half kick off.

Flakes and Bertolini were looking good, picking up chunks of yardage with each carry. A fumbled snap scared everyone for a moment, but the Bobcats were able to pounce on the loose ball and keep the drive alive.

Bowers dropped back on the next play and hit Watkins for a 23-yard pass down to the Knights 14-yard line. Bertolini then took over, carrying twice and getting into the end zone. Lopez added the extra point, and the Bobcats led 17-13 with 8:03 to go in the third quarter.

River Ridge looked to respond, getting the ball for the first time in the second half. The offense was slowly moving the ball when it faced a third and seven. The quarterback took a vicious hit and was sacked by Austin Cole for an eight yard loss. Staring at a fourth and long, the Knights had to punt the ball away.

Gilmer didn’t fare much better after getting the ball back. A pass from Bowers to Cole immediately moved the chains, but the “Cats” would then stall and punted to the Knights.

Again, the Knights were slowly moved the ball until Cody Richards and Watkins made some great stops. With third and long, The “Cats” applied some good pressure with Bertolini, and the good coverage downfield led to another River Ridge punt.

The Bobcats would make sure to capitalize on the next drive. On just the second play, Bertolini busted through a wide open hole for 52 yards, setting the “Cats” up at the Knight 17-yard line. Flakes fought hard for an eight yard gain and Ramirez picked up the first down.

Three plays later, Bowers found Flakes in the end zone for a four yard touchdown pass. After Lopez converted the PAT, the “Cats” led 24-13 with 7:38 remaining in the game.

The next drive was when the Bobcats put the nail in the coffin. River Ridge was facing a 3rd and long when Austin Cole had a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown. Just under two minutes had ticked off the clock before the Bobcats had scored again, leading the Knights 31-13.

The Knights’ mistakes continued to pour on. The Knights coughed the ball up deep in River Ridge territory, as Cole recovered the loose ball. Nothing came of the drive though, as Lopez missed a 27-yard field goal attempt.

The Knights had the ball right back after the turnover, and needed to do something quick if River Ridge wanted to stay in the game. The moment that all defensive lineman dream of came true for Cody Richards.

A screen play for the Knights found the gut of Richards, and he returned the interception to the River Ridge 20-yard line. Bertolini immediately cashed in, running almost untouched for a 20-yard score. A bad snap on the PAT led to an unsuccessful pass attempt. With just 2;35 left in the game, Gilmer had all but wrapped it up, with a led 37-13.

The Knights’ two-minute offense looked better than anything beforehand. The offense drove down the field and look poised to add on a meaningless score. The Knights’ final offensive play was ended with a spectacular diving interception in the end zone by Corey Waters.

The play was definitely SportsCenter material. The Bobcats finished the game in victory formation, and walked away with a 37-13 win.

Following the game, Coach Tankersley kept the postgame talk brief. He mentioned to be ready to go to work this week as the team prepares to face Cedartown (8-0) for the subregion title this Friday night in Cedartown.

The players left the field chanting “Chubb who?” in reference to Cedartown running back Nick Chubb. According to ESPN, Chubb is currently ranked as the #1 running back in Georgia, and the #10 running back in the nation.

He will be headed to Athens next fall to play for the Bulldogs. He is averaging over 264 yards per game, and 4 TDs per game. Gilmer High School is the only team to hold Chubb to under 100 rushing in a game. There is no doubt the Bobcats will need to stop him in order to have a chance this week.