Gilmer Downs Dawson: Twists Tigers’ Tail with Shutout Victory

The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team traveled to Dawson County to tangle with the Tigers. The Bobcats left the Tigers tamed, drubbing Dawson with a 23-0 shut-out victory.The Bobcats defense began the game. Gilmer gave up one first down before forcing a punt after a sack from Lucas Bramlett put the Dawson offense in a fourth and 14 situation. The Bobcats’ offense took over on the Gilmer 39 yard line with nine minutes left in the first quarter.

The Bobcats offense went to work grinding out a 10 play 61 yard drive that saw an eight yard reception by Garrett Ridgon on fourth down and ended with a 19 yard Tim Tebowesque touchdown run by quarterback Chris James. With 6:05 left in the first quarter, Gilmer led 7-0.

After giving a long, 57 yards, return on the kick off, the “Cats” clamped down on defense, eventually forcing a turn over on downs that gave Gilmer’s offense the ball on its own 12 yard line. The “Cats” couldn’t capitalize and eventually punted back to Dawson.

The Bobcats’ defense again rose to the occasion, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Chad Watkins, that put the Gilmer offense on the field at midfield; however, the Tigers’ defense picked off a pass a few plays later and got the ball back on the Dawson 21.

Two plays later the Bobcats’ defense forced another fumble and recovered on the Tigers’ 36. The offense took advantage, as James hooked up with Watkins for a 28 yard touchdown that put Gilmer up 13-0 after a bad snap on the extra point, with 4:46 left in the first half.

Watkins also secured the half lead with an interception on the Tigers’ next drive. Gilmer ran the clock out to take a 13-0 lead into the half.

The third quarter saw both teams’ defenses locking down as both teams’ offenses’ traded punts like Pokémon cards at preschool recess.

The Gilmer offense managed to score once more via field goal to take the 23-0 shut-out victory and move to 2-0 on the season. The Bobcats are off next week and will face Murphy (NC on September 19th at home.