Gilmer Claims 4A Division II Title in Close Finish

Gilmer had more success on its second drive. The possession began at the Buckeyes' 35-yard line. Gilmer used an almost even 50/50 split with the run and the pass as the Buckeyes moved down the field. Faced with a 2nd and goal at Bellville's 8-yard line, Tennison hit Webb for an 8-yard touchdown pass. Gilmer knotted the score up 7-7 with 5:15 remaining in the 1st quarter.

Bellville committed the first mistake in the contest following Gilmer's touchdown. DD Murray took a handoff on 2nd down into the middle of a packed defense. Before forward progress stopped, the Buckeyes stripped the ball and Brendan Webb came up with it. Gilmer took advantage of the turnover and scored soon after. Tennison called his own number on a 2-yard touchdown scramble to put the Buckeyes up 14-7 with just over a minute to play in the 1st Quarter.

2nd Quarter

Bellville began the 2nd quarter with an electric play. Brahmas quarterback Zach Leuschner ran the play-action and launched a deep ball to DD Murray. Murray ran under the football and caught it in stride on his way to a 72-yard touchdown. Gilmer maintained a 1-point advantage after the Buckeyes blocked the ensuing extra point, 14-13.

Bellville's defense stepped up and stop Gilmer on a second 4th down conversion attempt in the Brahmas' half of the field. After the turnover on downs, DD Murray took a handoff to the left side for 66 yards to Gilmer's 15-yard line. The Buckeyes returned the favor two plays later when Brendan Webb secured his second takeaway in the contest on an interception in the end zone. Gilmer took over at the 20-yard line with just over three minutes to play in the half.

The two teams traded several explosive touchdowns before the half. First, Gilmer's Will Henderson snapped off a 65-yard touchdown sprint to give the Buckeyes an 8-point lead. Not to be outdone, Bellville responded with another big play. Sam Hranicky scored from 58 yards out to bring the Brahmas back within one point. Finally, Tennison threw up a deep ball for speedster Ta'Erick Tate to run under. Tate caught the football and took it to the end zone for a 69-yard score. 

Gilmer led Bellville at the half 28-20.

Gilmer led Bellville at the half 28-20.

3rd Quarter

Neither team did anything with their first possessions in the 2nd half. Bellville finally gained some momentum with time winding down in the 3rd quarter. The Buckeyes rolled the dice on a 4th and 1-yard to go at their own 30-yard line. After Bellville converted, DD Murray broke through the defense for a 22-yard scamper. A called face mask moved the football inside the 15-yard line before Corrian Hood finished the drive off with an 8-yard touchdown. An unsuccessful 2-point conversion left Gilmer with a 2-point lead with 2:26 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

4th Quarter

Gilmer switched a slower style on offense in an attempt to run some clock. The Buckeyes had initial success and moved into Bellville's half before the Brahmas beefed up on defense. Gilmer attempted another 4th down conversion at Bellville's 34-yard line, but the Brahmas were ready and stopped the Buckeyes cold.

Unfortunately for the Brahmas, this would be the last time the offense touched the ball with any meaningful time remaining on the clock. Gilmer forced another punt and then proceeded to run more than five minutes off the clock. Bellville finally forced a 4th down but only had 37 seconds remaining. However, Gilmer would not be denied as Will Henderson converted the 4th down and eight. The Buckeyes kneeled out the clock to win the 4A Division II Championship 28-26.

Brennan Web won 4A Div II Defensive MVP Honors for his performance on Friday. The young man finished with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, an interception, and two tackles.

Will Henderson received 4A Division II Offensive MVP accolades. Gilmer's running back had 27 carries for 234 yards and one touchdown. He also added six catches for 53 yards.