High school football roundup: Northwest tops Gilmer in high-offense win; Coahulla Creek, Murray County take hard losses

Published 11:27 pm Friday, October 19, 2018

Northwest Whitfield 40, Gilmer 17

The Northwest Whitfield High School Bruins scored 34 points in the first quarter en route to a solid win over Gilmer Friday night on the road, 40-17.

The Bruins (5-3, 2-2 in Region 6-4A) scored six touchdowns on 12 plays as the starting offense played just the first half. Their very first play from scrimmage was a 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Seth Henderson from quarterback Ty Fisher.

“It’s a good feeling, it keeps your defense on the field, but as long we were scoring it was awesome,” Northwest Whitfield coach Josh Robinson said.

Robinson said he pulled his starting defense before the offense because of its increased time on the field. The second-team defense began play after the Bruins’ final score of the night early in the second quarter.

“We wanted to give our young guys a chance to play. In the end, it’s about experience,” Robinson said. “It’s almost a sense of pride for them to get the job done so fast and relax while they watch the younger guys play.”

Northwest Whitfield currently holds the fourth spot in the region, and Robinson said he hopes his team can keep the winning streak alive. If the Bruins defeat Southeast Whitfield next Friday at home they will secure a spot in the playoffs. If they win next week and their final game of the regular season at Heritage they will secure the No. 3 seed in the region.

“You always want to be to highest seed you can, but we are really worried about winning our next game,” Robinson said. “Southeast upset us last season, so we definitely want to go in and play well. We didn’t play well in that one last year. We will put ourselves in a good spot if we can win next week.”

Calhoun 56, Coahulla Creek 13

Coahulla Creek High School coach Caleb Bagley might have expected his team’s loss to Calhoun Friday night, 56-13, but that doesn’t make it any easier, he said.

“We kind of knew it would be like that,” he said. “That’s a great tradition they’ve built over there and they are just so good.”

The Colts (1-7, 1-4 in Region 6-3A) were without a handful of key starters this week as quarterback Cade Bates and receiver Dylan Carlock sat out on concussion protocol, while senior running back Austin Hernandez is out for the season with a broken collarbone.

Sophomore Austin Martin got his first start at quarterback for the Colts and was involved in both of their touchdowns. He connected with Michael King on a 49-yard score and Martin rushed for an 18-yard touchdown.

“Austin stepped in and made some big plays,” Bagley said. “We were able to move the ball at times. He did some good things against one of the best defenses in the state.”

King continues to be a dominant player as well, Bagley said.

“He’s a playmaker, a tough kid and he’s been great,” he said. “He’s had a great senior year.”

Coahulla Creek travels to Sonoraville next Friday.

Adairsville 34, Murray County 6

Despite being winless on the season, Murray County High School football coach Chad Brewer said he was very pleased with the way his team fought Friday night in its road loss to Adairsville, 34-6.

“I’m not into moral victories, no coach is, but there are a lot of guys who played with guts tonight and I’m very proud of that,” he said. “There were a lot of guys who are playing for Murray County — for the name on their jersey. I saw a lot fight and heart tonight, and that’s always something you can build on, win or lose.”

The Indians’ only score came on Cade Petty’s 85-yard fumble return. Senior Treven Benton forced the fumble.

Murray County (0-9, 0-6 in Region 6-3A) trailed 13-0 late in the second quarter until Adairsville blocked a punt and returned it for a score. The Indians then trailed 20-0 at the half.

“We were right in the game,” Brewer said.

Brewer said the Indians’ offense is continuing to improve as Lincoln Puryear had several catches at tight end. He also said the defense continued to prove its worth.

“Defense, they are on the field way too much,” Brewer said. “We only gave up one big play, everything else Adairsville got on the night was earned. We are getting a little better.”

Murray County is off next week before hosting Haralson County on Nov. 2.