The Gilmer High Bobcats were back in the win column in their last two soccer matches.
GHS was in Pickens last Monday for a nonregion showdown with rival Pickens. The visiting Cats controlled the match and scoreboard for a 1-0 victory. Gilmer’s region schedule continued Friday at Calhoun, and the Bobcats came away with another one-goal triumph, 1-0.
GHS absolutely dominated possession at Pickens to the tune of 62 percent. The Bobcats fired 21 shots on the day compared to only three for PHS. One of those shots came with 8:15 ahead of half time. A Dragon free kick flew into the box, and a shot from point-blank range was saved by GHS goalkeeper Talyn Curtis.
Gilmer netted the match’s only goal after 18 minutes of play. Midfielder Jorge Flores received a pass 40 yards from the goal, shielded the ball and then split two defenders. His 27-yard shot found the bottom left of the net for a lead the Bobcats never relinquished.
While Calhoun held possession for 57 percent of the match, it did not stifle Gilmer’s scoring opportunities. GHS had 18 shots compared to 17 for the Yellow Jackets, and the Cats found the back of the net with 16 minutes left in the second half.
Bobcat Brayner Ortiz snagged the ball from a CHS player 25 yards from the goal. With some fancy footwork, he got some free space, which resulted in an free run at the goalkeeper. Ortiz was cut down from behind inside the box to draw a foul. He then smashed the penalty kick into the bottom left corner of the net.
Curtis made eight saves for the Bobcats, which included four stops from inside the 18-yard box.
The win improved GHS to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in region play.
Gilmer hosted Adairsville at press deadline and travels to Ridgeland Friday for a 7:30 p.m. match.