By Rick Patrick
Riverbend News
The Hamilton County High School Trojans came up just short on the road, with a 28-26 overtime loss to the Williston High School Red Devils on Friday, Sept. 25.
The Red Devils began the game on offense and turned the ball over when Tyler Whetstone intercepted a pass at the 35-yard line. The Trojans took advantage with a 10-yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Gibson. The point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempt was good and the score was 7-0 with 7:30 remaining in the first quarter. After the Red Devils went three-and-out, the Trojans put together a 62-yard drive that ended with a Deandre to Gibson touchdown pass from five yards out. The PAT was good and the score was 14-0 as the quarter came to an end. The Red Devils got on the scoreboard on a 30-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion with 8:49 remaining until halftime. The ball went back and forth and the half ended with the score still at 14-8, with the Trojans in the lead.
The third quarter was a defensive struggle with each team moving the ball, but being cut short with defensive stops and turnovers. The score was still 14-8 as the third quarter ended. The Red Devils struck in the early seconds of the fourth quarter with a 27-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the score was knotted at 14 points apiece. The Red Devils threatened late in the game when they had a first and goal at the Trojan two-yard line. The Trojan defense tightened and successfully finished their goal-line stand when they recovered a fumble at the six-yard line. Regulation ended with the score still tied at 14.
The Trojans had the ball first to begin in overtime. Whetstone scored on a 10-yard run, but the PAT was blocked. The Trojans had a 20-14 advantage when the Red Devils took their first overtime possession. The Red Devils moved the ball inside the five-yard line and punched the ball over the goal line from the two. The Red Devils failed on their two-point conversion and the score was still tied at 20. The Red Devils took possession first in the next overtime exchange. Williston scored on a 14-yard touchdown run. The Red Devils successfully scored a two-point conversion. The Trojans were able to score on their possession with a 12-yard connection from Johnson to Gibson. It all came down to a two-point conversion attempt, which failed. The game ended with the Red Devils ahead 28-26.
Johnson went 12-for-16 passing for 105 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Gibson led the Trojans' rushing attack with 95 yards on 12 attempts and one rushing touchdown. Johnson and Julian Garcia were named the Players of the Game for the Trojans.
Next up for the Trojans (1-2) will be a home game on Friday, Oct. 2, against the Fighting Tigers of Union County High School. The Fighting Tigers bring a 2-1 record into Veteran's Stadium, after defeating Interlachen High School 49-14. It will be Senior Night for the Trojans. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Details of the Senior Night ceremony have not been released as of press time.