Photo courtesy of Average Joe’s Sports Talk
Gadsden City saw its 13-game region winning streak come to an end on Friday, Oct. 11 at Fort Payne, as the Titans fell to the Wildcats by a score 28-18.
The loss dropped the Titans to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Class 6A Region 8, making this Friday’s home game again Etowah County neighbor Southside carry significant weight for postseason seeding. The Panthers are also 3-1 in region play.
Dax Varnadore threw for four touchdowns as the Wildcats (5-2, 4-0) held off a late GCHS rally attempt. Christopher Tomas kicked a pair of field goals in the first half, one from 27 yards out and another from the Fort Payne 30-yard line, to keep Gadsden City within 21-6 at halftime.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Fort Payne built its lead to 22 points with Varnadore’s final TD pass of the game. GCHS quarterback Kai Franklin (pictured above) threw a pair of touchdowns passes to T.J. Worthy in the final minutes but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Worthy rushed 19 times for 109 yards while catching seven passes for 54 yards. Franklin was 23 for 32 in passing for 241 yards. Matthew Sparks had six receptions for 50 yards, while Alex Swafford caught four passes for 61 yards.
The 1984 Class 5A state champion Emma Sansom football team will be recognized prior to the Gadsden City/Southside game on Friday, Oct. 18 at Titan Stadium.