Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
By Jimmy Lay/al.com
Gadsden City forced three Huntsville turnovers and blocked a punt and a field goal attempt as the Titans kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 27-7 Class 7A, Region 4 road victory over Huntsville last Friday (Oct. 19).
Quinton Densmore broke open a scoreless game with his 70-yard interception return to put Gadsden City (2-6, 2-4) up 7-0 with 6:34 left in the first half.
After holding Huntsville to a three-and-out, the Titans blocked a punt to set up a short field. The first of three Jamontez Woods touchdowns, an 11-yard run, put Gadsden City ahead 14-0 at halftime.
The Panthers (3-6, 2-4) finally got on the scoreboard with 2:54 left in the third quarter on Stoney Patton’s 5-yard run to cut the lead to 14-7. But Huntsville failed to convert on fouth-and-2 from the Gadsden City 31-yard line, and on the next play Woods exploded around right end and raced 69 yards to the end zone. Woods scored again from seven yards out with 1:25 remaining to secure the GCHS win.
The Titans overcame 15 penalties for 119 yards. Huntsville completed eight passes but gained just 42 yards through the air.
“We’re a young team, but we have to learn to put people away,” said GCHS head coach Bart Sessions. “We had opportunities in the first half and didn’t capitalize.”
Woods finished with 188 rushing yards on 21 carries.
“I just want to thank my teammates for blocking and helping me get in the end zone,” said Woods. “We still have a chance at the playoffs; we just have to work hard and win next week.”
Gadsden City travels to Grissom on Thursday, Oct. 25. Huntsville finishes its season at Bob Jones.