The Fannin High School Rebels junior varsity team traveled to Gilmer County to take on the JV Gilmer High School Bobcats. The Rebels were not victorious, as Fannin fell 19-14.Fannin fell behind early was never able to dig out of the hole. The Bobcats began the game with a touchdown on the first drive. After Corey Chastain took the opening kickoff into Fannin territory, he moved the “Cats” into the red zone with a long catch on third and 15. Chris James eventually scored on the ground from six yards out. Gilmer went for two and was unsuccessful leaving the score 6-0.

Fourth Down for Fannin
(Photo by LT Melton)

The teams traded punts as both defenses were incredibly stingy throughout the game. Fannin failed to fall on fumbles by the Bobcats that could have jump started the Rebels offense.

The second quarter began with the Bobcats still up by six. Gilmer had the ball at the Pickens 48. Despite the excellent field position, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize due to a Fannin fourth down stop.

The Rebels took over on the Fannin 35 yard line. Dakota Queen’s long reception on first down was nullified due to holding call. On first and 26 disaster struck for the Rebels, when Gilmer’s Jay Shockey returned an interception to the Fannin five. The Rebels rose on the first three downs; however, on fourth and goal, Corey Chastain scored Gilmer’s second touchdown of the day. After a successful point after attempt, Gilmer lead 13-0 with 5:38 left in the first half.

Time Out
(Photo by LT Melton)

On the ensuing possession, the Rebels offense was unable to procure a first down, and after a failed Fannin fourth down conversion, the Gilmer offense took over on the Fannin 47 yard line. On first down, Chastain’s first down run gave the Bobcats the ball on the Rebel 33 yard line. Three plays later Chris James scored on a five yard touchdown run. With 1:21 left in the half, the Bobcats held a 19-0 lead after the missed extra point attempt. The half ended with the score the same.

A failed onside kick attempt, gave Fannin the ball on its own 43 yard line. On first and ten, Tyler Beaver broke a nine yard carry, giving life to the Fannin Faithful. The Rebels secured the first down, but were unable to move the ball further, and had to punt back to the home team.

The Gilmer offense moved the ball to the Bobcats 38 yard line. On first and 10 from the Rebel 38, a Fannin sack put the Bobcats in the second and long. Another fumble, that Fannin failed to fall on, followed by an incomplete led to a Bobcat punt situation.

The snap was high and the Rebels recovered on the Gilmer 13 yard line. Tyler Beaver eventually scored for the Rebels; however, he was stuffed by the defense on the two point attempt, leaving the score 19-6 with 2:38 left in the third.

The defenses ruled the last quarter as neither team was able to find much success. Gilmer eventually took a safety with 1:22 left in the game, rather than risk a punt block deep in its own end zone.

The Rebels took the ensuing kick off deep into Gilmer territory, starting the possession at the Bobcats’ 39 yard line. Queen caught a touchdown with 18.4 second left making the score 19-14. Fannin failed on the two point conversion attempt, and the Gilmer return team recovered the onsides attempt, effectively ending the game.