Gilmer Gets in the Ring with Ringgold

The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team hosted the Tigers of Ringgold for a preseason scrimmage. The scrimmage consisted of a first half that featured each team running 10 play drives before switching, and a second half that saw a timed third quarter scrimmage between the varsity squads and a fourth quarter reserved for reserves and young players.The Gilmer offense had first possession and managed one first down and a turnover; however, the Gilmer defense forced a sack and an interception on the first possession. The second possessions saw both teams’ defenses playing stellar. Garrett Rigdon and Thaddeus Bowers both pulled in interceptions.

The third offensive possession saw the “Cats” cross the end zone with a scramble from sophomore quarterback, Tyler Buntin.

The third quarter began with an 80 yard Tiger touchdown pass on second and ten. The next Tiger possession, set up by a short field, saw a 38 yard Ringgold run to the end zone, that put the Bobcats behind 14-0 with 9:39 left in the quarter.

Russell Cochran cut the lead to 7 with a two yard touchdown run with 1:52 left in the third. After the defense forced a three and out, secured by Bowers, breaking up of a pass on third down, the Gilmer offense took over on the Ringgold 45 yard line with 1:12 left in the quarter.

Chad Watkins’ long reception put Gilmer in the red zone with just under a half minute left in the quarter. Chris James finished off the drive with a four yard touchdown run to tie the game at the end of the third

The fourth quarter saw the teams revert to the first half style, with each team’s back up players and freshmen getting much needed experience. The Bobcats next scrimmage North Hall at North Hall Friday, August 15th.