Last week’s results: Gaston 19, Section 14, NSM 38, Sand Rock 13
2012 result: NSM 65, Gaston 38
Series record: Gaston leads 4-1
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Confidence is a huge thing in high school football.
Last week’s victory gave Gaston High some of that confidence and now it’s just to wait and see how much it helps.
“It was good to win a close game,” Bulldogs coach Swane Morris said. “We lost a close one the week before (21-14 to Sand Rock), so we needed that win. It’s one thing to talk about close wins but until you’ve experienced one, the talking means nothing.”
Section had a last-minute chance to score last week, but Gaston held the Lions out of the end zone.
The week before, Gaston had two last-quarter scoring chances against the Rockers and came away with no points.
Gaston, Sand Rock, Section and North Sand Mountain have all beaten each other, so there’s a four-way tie for the Class 2A, Region 7 second place behind Fyffe.
“All four of us are thinking the same thing,” Morris said. “That is, whichever two win this week get a leg up on a playoff spot. Winning doesn’t guarantee it, but it makes it easier in the second half (of the season).”
Sand Rock plays at Section this week.
As for the Bison, look for a strong running game out of the spread offense.
“They run the ball most of the time, between the tackles,” Morris said. “They like to control the clock, and if they do that, it can be a long night.”
Last week against Section, Jailyn Britton had 11 carries for 79 rushing yards and three scores. Shai Ogles finished with seven carries for 80 yards, while Braxton Collins had 16 attempts for 52 yards.
Jordan Douglas completed 5-of-10 passes for 72 yards, while Ogles had three catches for 47 yards.