The Gilmer High School Bobcats football team traveled the long road to Ridgeland High School for a region battle with the Panthers. The Bobcats came into the game 0-1 in Region 7-AAAA and 3-1 on the year, with the Panthers having the identical overall record but inverse region record. Both teams would leave the game 1-1 as Gilmer got the 21-7 road win.The game began with each team trading a three and out offensive possession, Gilmer had the first possession of the game. The second Bobcats’ possession began with great Gilmer field position as the “Cats” started on the Gilmer 42 yard line.

A 10 yard reception on third and eight from Garrett Ridgon put Gilmer on the Panthers’ 34 yard line. Three plays later the Bobcats faced a fourth and eight from the Panthers’ 32 yard line. With 4:43 left in the first, Gilmer called a time out.

Rigdon came through again, as quarterback, Chris James, found him for a 12 yard gain that gave Gilmer a first and goal situation. James found Thaddeus Bowers on third and goal from the 10 for the first score of the night. With 3:17 left in the first quarter, the Bobcats led 7-0 after a Rodrigo Casas extra point.

The lead was short lived, as Ridgeland responded with a 57 yard drive, after a long kick-off return put the Panthers on the Ridgeland 43 yard line. All 57 yards came on the ground. As the first quarter closed, the game was tied 7-7.

The score remained the same throughout the half, as both defenses kept the offensives in check, despite, a late surge by the Bobcats that saw the no huddle move the ball deep into Panthers’ territory. The drive ended with a Chris James interception in the end zone, his first thrown pick of the year.

Russell Cochran stopped a sure touchdown on the interception return, before a Jake Ingram Sack ended the half.

The Panthers picked up possession in the second half on the Ridgeland 34; however, a fumble recovery, by Josh White gave Gilmer a first and 10 on the Ridgeland 23 yard line. Six plays later, after a drive that saw a Bowers eight yard catch on fourth and four, Cochran’s three yard touchdown put Gilmer up 14-7 after another Casas extra point, with 7:58 left in the third quarter.

The ensuing Panther possession resulted in a Ridgeland three and out, and the Bobcats took advantage as Cochran scored the last touchdown of the night, a 29 yard scamper up the right sideline that gave Gilmer a 21-7 lead that would last throughout the game.

The game began to get quite chippy as both teams picked up numerous 15 yard penalties, resulting in the head referee addressing both teams.

The Gilmer defense was stout throughout the night, holding the Panthers to 80 yards of total offense, a week after the Panthers put up 422 on Pickens, conversely the Bobcats had 310.

James completed 11 of 24 passes for 123 yards with one touchdown and his first two interceptions of the year. Russell Cochran led the Bobcats with 125 yard on the ground on 25 carries for a five yards per carry average. Rigdon led the “Cats” in receiving yards with 69, he Bowers tied for the lead in receptions with four. Bowers had the lone receiving touchdown.

Jake Ingram led the Bobcats in tackles with 11, he also contributed a half of a sack. Noble Zuchslag was second with 10 tackles. He led with 1.5 sacks. Bowers had the Bobcats two interceptions.
Head coach, Wesley Tankersley, spoke briefly about the win after the game.

The win puts both teams at 1-1 in the Region 7-AAAA and 3-2 overall. The Bobcats next host Northwest Whitfield on Youth Football night. The Bruins are 1-1 in the region and 3-2 overall after a 35-7 lost to Pickens.