Gilmer High ran into another one of the region’s top teams last Friday night.
The GHS Bobcats made the trip to face the North Hall Trojans for their fourth region matchup of the season. Gilmer found itself down immediately as the Trojans’ powerful ground game produced quick touchdowns.
NHHS scored on its first six possessions and added another in the second half as the Bobcats were dealt a 47-6 loss.
“It certainly wasn’t our best night,” said head coach Paul Standard. “I’m disappointed we didn’t give a better showing. Ultimately, that falls back on me because the buck stops with me. We’re going to come right back to work Monday and keep working to get better.”
North Hall’s advantage on the front lines made for a tough night for GHS. Once Trojan running backs reached the second level, they were able to break tackles, outmaneuver and run away from Bobcat defenders.
“Obviously we were probably outmatched in most areas,” Standard said. “Yet, there were some individual bright moments. I thought (fullback) Brock Titus, when he had the opportunity, he ran hard. (Linebacker) Dominic Tarantino made some great second-effort plays on defense when he had to run down some guys we missed ... just to name a couple.
“This is still a process we’re working through, and we’re definitely not giving up on our kids in any way.”
Gilmer’s offense was held in check much of the night. The Cats punted four times, fumbled once and turned the ball over on downs in the first half. When dropping back to pass, quarterback Seth Darling was under immediate pressure.
North Hall’s wing-T attack depended on a handful of backs to move on the ground. The Trojans scored touchdowns on drives of just two plays on four different occasions. Only one drive required more than six plays to reach pay dirt on the night.
Four NHHS drives started in GHS territory, which included its first two. After a threatening kickoff return, the 37-yard Trojan series needed three rushes for a score. On Gilmer’s second possession, a bad snap on the punt gave NHHS the ball at the Cats’ 23. The Trojans led 14-0 two rushes later with 8:56 left in the first quarter.
North Hall’s next 11-play drive was its longest and included nine rushes and two passes. The final run was a 6-yard quarterback keeper for a 20-0 lead after Tarantino blocked the extra-point attempt.
Both of North Hall’s next two drives lasted two plays and covered 53 and 63 yards, respectively, for a 33-0 advantage with 7:58 left in the half.
After a GHS fumble, NHHS moved 47 yards on six plays to open a 40-0 halftime lead. Bobcat Hunter Watkins was ejected on the touchdown for some extra-curricular activity after the play, which carries a one-game suspension, per GHSA rules.
Another Trojan two-play drive began the second half and followed a GHS fumble. A 45-yard run added the final Trojan touchdown of the night for a 47-point lead.
Gilmer punted on its second drive of the half, and both teams fielded reserves and junior varsity players to end the game.
On their final drive, Bobcat Mason Smith took a pitch 37 yards around the left edge to move Gilmer to the Trojans’ 38. Quarterback Issac Rellinger rushed twice, and his final was a 36-yard keeper that tallied the Bobcats’ lone score.
Gilmer did not have much room to run on the night, and Titus led the way with 45 yards. Tarantino was the Cats’ top tackler with 13 total stops.
“The players came back this morning, and we had a good day in the weight room, and we’re going to have a good practice today,” Standard said of Monday.
“We’re going to go right back to work. We’re not going to give in. I think sometimes apathy sets in and people give up. We’re not going to do that here. It wasn’t a good night for the Bobcats, but we’re certainly planning on bouncing back this week.”
GHS will host West Hall for senior night Friday. Senior recognitions have been tentatively scheduled to start at 6:50 p.m. with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
Junior varsity
The junior varsity Bobcats traveled to Adairsville last Thursday. After a shaky first half, GHS regrouped in the second but fell short at the end, 38-24.
Gilmer got on the board in the opening quarter. An interception by lineman Kai Pogue and return for a touchdown gave GHS an 8-6 lead. Adairsville struck for four more scores and opened a 32-6 lead at the break.
Bobcat quarterback Isaac Rellinger scored on a 7-yard run in the third and added a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Cowart in the fourth to trail, 38-18.
Gilmer’s Grant Ballew was there to recover Talyn Curtis’ onside kick. Kade Miller crossed the goal line on a 3-yard carry for the Cats’ final points of the game.
The JV Bobcats will host Christian Heritage Thursday at 6 p.m.