Gilmer Buckeye
09-05-2003, 11:38 PM
Buckeyes have to come from behind repeatedly. Almost a nightmare scenario at the Dawg Pound in Jefferson. But QB Derek McKenzie stepped up in the second half and more or less single-handedly led Gilmer to victory. We were behind even in the fourth quarter by 20-19. Gilmer cannot kick extra points yet. That's why we deserve to fall quite a few rungs in Collier-Sharp or any other poll. No state championship caliber team can afford to miss more than half its PATs.
Last week, it was Derek's passing that sparked the 59-6 rout at Gladewater. This week he did it on the ground with repeated 10- to 20-yard gains on QB draws. He took what they gave him. Receiver Manuel Johnson, who scored three TDs in the Gladewater game, dropped at least three passes. But he caught several as well. Jefferson was keying on our tailback, Andrew Hines. He was shut down fairly well, but I'll bet he still exceeded 100 yards. He had 42 on one play.
Calvin Dennis of Jefferson busted two long runs of 77 and 65 yards, straight up the middle. Coach Greg Brown had obviously decided the way to attack Gilmer's very fast, but not very large defense was to go right at them.
I have to give credit to Jefferson for a very well-coached and well-played game. The Bulldogs led 14-7 at the half, but Gilmer's talent, especially offensively, eventually wore down Jefferson, who suited up only 25 players, several of whom went both ways.
Last week, it was Derek's passing that sparked the 59-6 rout at Gladewater. This week he did it on the ground with repeated 10- to 20-yard gains on QB draws. He took what they gave him. Receiver Manuel Johnson, who scored three TDs in the Gladewater game, dropped at least three passes. But he caught several as well. Jefferson was keying on our tailback, Andrew Hines. He was shut down fairly well, but I'll bet he still exceeded 100 yards. He had 42 on one play.
Calvin Dennis of Jefferson busted two long runs of 77 and 65 yards, straight up the middle. Coach Greg Brown had obviously decided the way to attack Gilmer's very fast, but not very large defense was to go right at them.
I have to give credit to Jefferson for a very well-coached and well-played game. The Bulldogs led 14-7 at the half, but Gilmer's talent, especially offensively, eventually wore down Jefferson, who suited up only 25 players, several of whom went both ways.