The Fannin County High School Rebels varsity football team fell to the Bobcats of Gilmer High School, 29-21. The loss was ended an eight year win streak against the rival Bobcats, and was the first loss suffered to Gilmer by Fannin head coach, Clark Drennan. The Rebels could not overcome three second half turnovers, including the game sealing interception by Gilmer’s Colt Henderson.

Pregame Stretching
(Photo by LT Melton)

The Rebels led early. Quarterback, Trevor Stone, scored on a one yard sneak to take a 7-0 lead after the extra point kick by Taylor Brodowsky with just under six minutes left in the first quarter. The Bobcats answered with a rushing touchdown from Colt Henderson. Gilmer’s Eric Chavez missed the extra point, allowing the Rebels keep a one point, 7-6, lead.

The Rebels running game came roaring right back, as Blake Henry scored on a 46 yard scamper that put Fannin up 14-6. Great Gilmer field position came as a result of a failed Fannin onside kick. On second and five from the Gilmer 40, Drew Morgan busted out for a 37 yard run that gave Gilmer the ball at the Fannin 27 yard line. Cameron Kephart scored for the Bobcats with an 18 yard run. After a failed two point conversion Fannin still held a slim two point, 14-12, lead. The score remained the same throughout the half.

Future Fannin Rebels Waving the Rebel Flag
(Photo by LT Melton)

Fannin’s first deficit of the game came on the first drive of the second half. Gilmer’s Connor Webber caught a 61 yard bomb that gave the Bobcats the ball at the Fannin five yard line, Henderson punched it in from one yard out. Chavez’s extra point put the Bobcats up 19-14. The lead was short lived, as Fannin’s Peyton Satterfield took the ensuing kick off 90 yards for a touchdown. After the Rebels’ extra point, Fannin led by two, 21-19. It was the last Rebels score of the game.

Ready Rebel Defense
(Photo by LT Melton)

Fannin fumbled away the ball on the next two possessions, each leading to a Gilmer score. Gilmer’s Austin Cole recovered the first Fannin fumble on the Rebels’ 44 yard line. A short drive later, Johnie Flakes scored on first and goal from the Fannin three yard line. The Bobcats led by four, 26-21, with just over two minutes left in the third quarter. On the ensuing Fannin possession, Cole recovered another Fannin fumble at the Rebels 34. Lopez’s final field goal proved to be the nail in the Rebels’ coffin.

The two teams traded possessions, and Fannin had the ball driving to the Gilmer 41 yard line, but the Rebels last gasp effort, on fourth and 12, was intercepted by Henderson. The Bobcats ran the clock out, as the Fannin faithful began making their exit.

Exclusive Highlights of Fannin Vs. Gilmer Football Game Courtesy of ETC TV3 from Fetch on Vimeo.