While the varsity football game was canceled, the Gilmer High junior varsity Bobcats made their way to Lumpkin County last Thursday.
The game was tied after two quarters before GHS scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Indians on their home field, 28-8.
“The offensive line played physical and paved the way,” said GHS assistant coach Taylor Johnstone. “We spread the ball well between all the backs, and they ran hard and efficiently.
“The defense played well and bent but didn’t break. We stopped the run and made them pass, did well swarming to ball and didn’t give up explosive plays.”
GHS rolled up 245 rushing yards on 26 attempts. Hunter Watkins split time between wingback and quarterback and accounted for all four of the Bobcats’ touchdowns.
The game was scoreless after a quarter and tied at the half, 8-8. Lumpkin found success through the air for a long touchdown toss right before the break.
Gilmer’s Mason Smith returned the second half kickoff 47 yards to Lumpkin’s 45 to set up the offense. GHS tacked on two touchdowns in the third quarter to lead 22-8 and added one more score in the fourth.
The Bobcats did have some ball security issues with three turnovers, which included two fumbles and an interception. Gilmer’s Ian Berry made multiple pass breakups to help stifle the Indians’ aerial attack, and Hunter Brown was there for a quarterback sack.
“This was the first high school game experience for a lot of these kids,” Johnstone said. “They responded well after we settled down.”
GHS hosts East Jackson Thursday at 5:30 p.m.