In a 4A Region 4 matchup last Saturday, the Gilbert football team defeated the Airport Eagles on the road 31-18 after a strong performance from Indians running back Jaylen Jay.
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continueNeed an account?
|
In a 4A Region 4 matchup last Saturday, the Gilbert football team defeated the Airport Eagles on the road 31-18 after a strong performance from Indians running back Jaylen Jay.
Jay’s three touchdowns helped Gilbert overcome an early deficit and pick up a road win in region play.
“Wasn’t our best but this is our third game in nine or ten days,” head coach Ozzie Exume said. “It’s tough. Our guys are tired and beat up.”
Gilbert and Airport have both had to play an unusual schedule. Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene teams in their region have had to play twice a week to ensure all games are played before the postseason.
On the game’s first play from scrimmage, the Indians recovered a fumble on a failed reverse attempt by Airport. Despite getting quality field position, Gilbert was unable to get points off the turnover after an incomplete pass on fourth down from quarterback Cooper James.
Airport’s second drive ended in points after it converted several third downs. After a successful field goal, the Eagles took an early 3-0 lead. However, the Indians responded with a quick scoring drive, capped by a three-yard touchdown run by Jay.
The Eagles’ third drive was aided by a pair of facemask penalties by Gilbert’s defense. Airport took a 10-7 advantage after it rushed for a 16-yard touchdown.
“We had to focus,” Exume said. “That was my biggest fear and worry coming into this game. Three days of practice coming off a long stretch of four games in 15 days.”
The two teams continued to go back and forth late in the first half. On fourth down in Airport territory, James threw a 35-yard touchdown pass, giving the Indians a 14-10 lead.
In the third quarter, Gilbert kept its offensive momentum going when James connected with wide receiver Connor Gooding for a 45-yard reception. Jay ended the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, making the score 21-10 Gilbert.
“In a nice way, I told them at halftime that they needed to focus in and settle down,” Exume said. “We did and we were better for it.”
The Indians’ defense took advantage of mistakes by Airport’s offense in the second half. On the Eagles’ second drive in the third quarter, Gilbert recovered a fumble by Airport’s offense. Following the turnover, Gilbert stretched its lead to 14 when it converted a field goal.
Trailing in the fourth quarter, the Eagles were sacked on third down. Looking for a spark, Airport attempted a fake punt on fourth down, but it was stopped by Gilbert’s special teams. Gilbert took a commanding 31-10 lead after Jay found the end zone for a four-yard touchdown, his third of the contest.
Late in the game, Airport’s special teams made a big play when it returned a punt for a touchdown. Following a successful two-point conversion, Airport made the score 31-18. However, Airport’s onside kick attempt failed, and the Indians clinched the victory.
Both teams will be back in action this week against fellow Lexington County schools. Gilbert (4-4, 3-2 Region 4) will face Gray Collegiate (6-2, 5-0 Region 4) at home this Friday. Airport (1-7, 1-4 Region 4) also plays at home this Friday, when it takes on Brookland-Cayce (2-7, 2-4 Region 4).
“Our whole goal this whole week heading into this game was to come out of it healthy,” Exume said. “We fairly did, so that’s fine.”
Other items that may interest you
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here