Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
The Gadsden City defense and special teams both scored a touchdown as the Titans posted an 18-0 victory over Fort Payne in Class 6A, Region 8 action on September 9.
The shutout was Gadsden City’s first since Week 1 of the 2021 season.
The Titans (2-2, 2-0) took the lead for good midway through the first quarter when Braylen Starkes (pictured above) took an interception to the house for a 6-0 advantage.
GCHS made it a 12-point lead by way of Kai Franklin’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Clyde Curry with 30 seconds left in the first half.
The Titans’ special teams extended the lead to 18-0 late in the third quarter when GCHS blocked a field goal attempt and Damien Carlisle recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown.
Franklin was 8 for 12 in passing for 86 yards, while Curry had four receptions for 49 yards.
T.J. Worthy rushed for 28 yards on eight carries.
K’Rysiak Yow and Elijah Taylor each finished with eight tackles, followed by Jackson Veasy, Elijah Dunn and Stephen Powell with five each. Yow, Taylor and Veasy each had a sack. Taylor also had an interception.
Gadsden City resumes region play this Friday (Sept. 16) at home against Hartselle.