When the Gallatin Bulldogs passed the ball around this season, it was to the benefit of all.
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Season Pass by Dennis Cox
When the Gallatin Bulldogs passed the ball around this season, it was to the benefit of all. In doing so, a GHS record may have been established.
I would not hesitate to say that what the backfield quartet of Nathan Henderson, Ben Hubbard, Robert Heldenbrand and Adam Whitney accomplished this season has probably never been done by another GHS backfield. It’s maybe not so remarkable that these 4 men combined for 41 touchdowns and well over 3,000 yards. What does stand out is that by my totals, which aren’t the official team totals, only 111 yards separates the top team rusher from the #4 man.
I haven’t researched it, but I’m going to say that I doubt that a Gallatin backfield has ever produced 4 players with over 700 yards rushing.
I feel for senior Ben Hubbard, whose season was sadly interrupted at the half way point by injury. As a quick, powerful runner and team leader, I wouldn’t have traded him for any other running back in the Grand River Conference. He finished his career with nearly 2,000 yards rushing and 20 TDs. His 771 yards this season were still 2nd best on the team. It is good to see him get the conference recognition he deserves.
Senior Nathan Henderson showed he belongs in the company of Rock Port’s Jared Meyerkorth and South Harrison’s Cole Leazenby when you talk about the best quarterbacks in the league. He helped pick up the offensive slack when Ben went out and masterfully ran the option attack that produced several 300 yard rushing games for the team. He totaled 806 yards and a team high 15 TDs. His 2 year quarterback numbers reflect over 1,100 yards rushing and 24 TDs to go with a handful of TD passes.
Junior Robert Heldenbrand stepped up hard in Gallatin’s final 5 games. A lineman last season, he gained confidence as the season progressed and benefitted the most from having veterans around him in the back field. Robert finished with 712 yards and 11 TDs.
Junior Adam Whitney may have crossed the goal line only 7 times but his value as a “set up” man can’t be understated. He brought the same tenacity to offense that he showed on defense, and rushed for a team high 823 yards and a team best four 100-yard games.
As a group, Hubbard, Henderson, Heldenbrand and Whitney combined for eleven 100-yard performances and 7 others between 80 and 95. My hat’s off to them for a job well done. I hope there are post season honors out there for all of them and the rest of Gallatin’s deserving linemen and defensive players.
*****
The Raiders could hold the key to Kansas City’s playoff chances and should be supported the rest of the season. Why on earth would you pull for your most bitter rival? Simple survival.
The Chiefs have been reduced to a Wild Card existence in the AFC after Sunday’s crushing loss to the Raiders. Oakland still has a lot to say about whether Kansas City makes it to post season play.
With only 7 games left, the Chiefs now find themselves locked in a fierce battle with Denver, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Miami, Indianapolis, Buffalo and New York for just 2 Wild Card spots. Granted, Kansas City can help its own cause by beating Buffalo on Nov. 19 and Denver on Dec. 17. On the other hand, Oakland plays Denver, Pittsburgh and New York. Raider victories in those games would obviously be to Kansas City’s advantage.