Photo from Gilmer County Touchdown Club

Ellijay, GA – The Tigers and the Bobcats both came into Friday nights contest needing a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive and while it was a back and forth contest for all 4 quarters, the Gilmer Bobcats found a way to find out the win and secure their spot in the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.

The first quarter was lacking in excitement as neither team was able to post anything on the scoreboard, but Gilmer took a 7-0 lead early in the second thanks to a Grant Ballew 21 yard scamper. Soon after, the Tigers responded with a score of their own as do-it-all Senior Dom LeBlanc found paydirt from 77 yards out.

Gilmer was able to take a 10-7 lead into the break thanks to the leg of Noah Turner, who notched a 24 yard field goal at the end of the second.

The Bobcats and Tigers traded scores our of the break, but Dawson took their first lead of the evening thanks to a 35 yard pass from Preston Bannister to Sawyer Bearden. The Tigers took a 21-17 lead into the fourth.

Gilmer rallied the troops and responded early in the final frame, as Aspen Hattaway dashed 71 yards for what would be the game winning touchdown as Gilmer took the victory, 31-24.

 

Preston Bannister was the man of the match for Dawson, finishing with 350 passing yards on 17-29 attempts and 3 TDs, while also rushing for another 119 yards.

Aspen Hattaway led the way for Gilmer, rushing for 143 yards and 3 TDs.

Gilmer will play White County Friday night, as both teams vye for the 3rd seed in Region 7AAA.