It’s a story that has become all too familiar. Celina vs. Gilmer. High school playoff football. Friday night in Texas. For the third consecutive season, the Bobcats and the Buckeyes matched up in hot pursuit of the state title. Both teams took the field with something to prove and with intentions of ensuring this season concludes much differently than last year. Gilmer fell to Celina in 2015. In fact, the loss came at the very same stadium. After their 2015 victory, Celina went on to lose to the state championship game to West Orange Stark. Both teams, with impressive 2015 marches nonetheless, would like to see different outcomes in 2016.
Although Celina was the first team to put points on the board, Gilmer quickly established dominance in this 4A Division 2, Region 2 rematch. The Bobcats put up a valiant fight, but they simply could not get by the Buckeye defense. Gilmer’s run game is most often their greatest threat, however, tonight’s matchup proved that their passing game is just as lethal. The balanced offense was unstoppable.
At halftime, one could argue that the outcome was essentially decided as the Buckeyes lead the Bobcats 29-7. Gilmer’s momentum wasn’t going anywhere. The second half proceeded much the same as the first. Celina put 10 more points on the board before wrapping up their 2016 season. They outscored their first half performance, but they were not able overtake the Buckeyes. The game concluded with a 43-17 Gilmer victory.
Gilmer, who has suffered only one loss this season, will go on to play Sweetwater next week. Sweetwater beat Seminole to advance and goes into next week’s match up with 12-1 record this season.
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