Warriors Take Down Bobcats

The Bobcats of Gilmer hosted the Warriors of Gordon Central on Friday with the hopes of getting the first victory of 2018 and putting an end to the unfortunate results of the past two seasons.  After last week’s game saw a few ejections and the uncertainty of those players being ruled eligible to play, Coach Wingard was prepared for any scenario.

With the GHSA home office allowing David Smith and Mack Towery to suit up for Friday’s game the Bobcats were back to a full team.  Coach Casey Wingard commented earlier in the week that the team had practiced with both Smith and freshman quarterback Seth Darling just in case the GHSA decision went the other way.

Darling took the field as the starter on the opening drive for the Bobcats with Smith coming in a few plays later.  It was a tough night for the freshman as he threw three interception which resulted in Warrior scores.  There were several positives for Darling who has seen field time in the last two games.  He will definitely be a force as he matures in a Bobcat uniform.  Smith had over 100 yards in the air including a 30 yard hook up with Corbin Singleton for a a Bobcat touchdown.  On defense, Smith led all tacklers with seven tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery for another Bobcat score.

The highlight of the night was the Team FYN Sports sportswriter Player of the Week Austin Daman stepping on the field.  Daman, coming off of Tommy John surgery in the spring was seeing his first action of the 2018 season.  His injury occurred while pitching for the Bobcats baseball team.  Wearing #42, Daman lined up at wide receiver and the Gilmer offensive coordinator called his number.  On a deep route quarterback David Smith dropped back and let the football fly in Daman’s direction.  The result of that throw was his first reception of many for the 2018 Bobcat offense.  The catch was good for 36 yards and a Gilmer 1st down.  Daman had two receptions on the night for a total of 69 yards in the game versus Gordon Central.

As the clock hit zero in the fourth quarter, the score(44-15) favored the Warriors giving the Bobcats their third loss of the young season.  The Bobcats are fighting hard and playing with the heart of an elephant.  Great coaches and players are out there working hard every day to reach the goals set for the 2018 team.  As a veteran high school coach once said ” Football is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.  Keep working hard”

Next week the Bobcats will be at Huff Mosely Stadium and Pettit Field as the Indians of Lumpkin County come in for Homecoming night.  Spread the word and help pack out the stands.