The Gilmer Buckeyes are bringing the state championship trophy back to Upsher County after a hard
fought and exciting game with the Bellville Brahmas, winning 28-26. A game that matched teams with
totally different offenses. Gilmer’s high-powered fast-moving spread against Bellville’s Slot T.
After stopping Gilmer on 4 th and two at their own 36, the Brahmas scored on a 66-yard run by Sam
Hranicky. Later it in the quarter it appeared that Bellville had stopped the Buckeye’s again on fourth
down but there was a facemask personal foul penalty that kept the drive alive allowing Gilmer to score
on an 8-yard pass from Cadon Tennison to Brenden Webb.
With 4:13 to go in the first quarter Bellville fumbled on their own 28-yard line and with 1:08 to go before
halftime Gilmer extended their led to 14-7. Bellville followed just minutes later with a 72-yard TD pass
from Zach Leuschner to DD Murray. However, the point after kick was blocked making the score 14-13
Gilmer. Bellville held Gilmer to three and out in the next series and drove the ball down to the Gilmer
12-yard line where with 3:31 to go in the second quarter Gilmer’s Brenden Webb intercepted a pass in
the end zone. A minute later Will Henderson scampered 65 yards down the Gilmer sideline for a
touchdown. Not to be denied after a short kickoff Hranicky with 1:08 remaining in the second quarter
scored on a 58-yard run. But the Buckeyes came roaring back when Tennison connected with Ta’Erick
Tate for 69-yard TD pass. Giving Gilmer the lead at the half 28-20.
In the second half it was all about the defenses on both sides of the ball. With 2:26 to go in the third
quarterback Leuschner hit Murray for a 75-yard pass completion setting up an eight-yard touchdown
run by Hood. Bellville because of the blocked point after went for 2 and were unsuccessful. In the fourth
quarter both teams traded blows, mistakes and penalties. Finally on 4 th and six with 29 seconds to go in
the game Will Henderson broke two tackles to gain eleven-yards and seal the deal.
Henderson who came into the game with 2,475 yards rushing finished the game with 227 yards rushing
on 27 carries. Cadon Tennison the talented Jr QB was 17 for 27 passing for 197 yards and two
touchdowns. For Head coach Alan Metzel it was his first championship, living in the shadow of former
Gilmer head coach and current UTSA head coach of Jeff Traylor. Who was on the Buckeye sideline
watching the game supporting the team.