For the second time this season, the Gilmer High junior varsity Bobcats defeated the Southeast Whitfield Raiders.
The two squared off at Huff-Mosley Memorial Stadium last Thursday for the Bobcats’ season finale, and the hometown fans were not disappointed.
The Bobcats scored on their last four possessions of the game and left the Raiders in their wake for a 27-0 victory.
The first half was a tale of two long drives before Southeast’s special teams blunder opened up the scoring. The Raiders used most of the first quarter on a drive that eventually stalled on downs deep in GHS territory.
The Bobcats did the same and spent much of the second-quarter clock doing so. Gilmer faced fourth and goal from the Raiders’ 6-yard line, but GHS quarterback Seth Darling was brought down for a 5-yard loss.
Southeast passed three straight times and were forced to punt with 31 seconds left in the half. However, the low snap was not handled and the ball squirted into the end zone. Bobcat Jacob Gallagher was there for the recovery, and the Cats led 6-0 at the half.
Gilmer scored on all of its second half possessions and its first began at its 42. GHS needed seven plays, and converted a third down when Darling connected with Mason Smith for a 35-yard pass to the Raiders’ 1. After a penalty, Isaiah Sharp scored from 6 yards out.
Darling added the two-point conversion, and GHS led 14-0 three minutes into the third.
SHS was held on downs, and Gilmer’s next score needed five plays and covered 42 yards. The drive ended when Darling tossed a 25-yard strike to Will Kiker down the sideline.
Gilmer led 21-0 late in the third, and Kiker was there on defense. He intercepted the Raiders’ third down pass, and Gilmer’s offense was back on the field at Southeast’s 28.
Four runs and a pass advanced GHS to the 9-yard line. Darling then kept the ball to the 1 before he appeared to fumble. Southeast recovered, but referees said they blew an inadvertent whistle, and GHS maintained possession at the Raiders’ doorstep.
Smith took the ball a yard and across the goal line to give GHS a 27-0 advantage. The Raiders had a final possession but the clock quickly ticked away and GHS won.
The JV Bobcats posted a 2-4 overall record this season.