2007 Football: Rivalry game finds state-ranked Gallatin at 3-0, but looking for an edge

As expected, Gallatin countered size with speed last week in whipping North Platte, 34-6, in non-conference football action. This Friday, the Bulldogs will be looking for a similar edge when they host Hamilton in a marque matchup of long-time rivals.

"Hamilton is a much improved ball team," says GHS head coach Mark Cole. "Their skills players are basically all back and their experience shows," he added. "As a group, they combine power, speed, quickness, and a very dangerous passing game. In my opinion, we will be facing the most talented and well-rounded offensive team thus far."

The Hornets held their own against a tough, physical South Harrison squad last week, but came up short, 12-0. The game was scoreless until the fourth quarter, but Hamilton had a shot at the lead earlier in the second half but stalled inside South Harrison’s five-yard line.

"The key for us," says Coach Cole, "will be to try and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Our skill players will need room to work and time to throw," he added. "Our linebackers and defensive backs will need to focus on tackling and stopping the big pass play."

The Bulldogs hope to prevent a reversal of roles from last season when they spoiled Hamilton’s homecoming with a 46-6 victory.

"In this rivalry game, crazy things happen at the drop of a hat," Coach Cole advised. "We have to limit the crazy things on our part and try to take advantage of their mistakes," he said. "I feel we have more experience in general, and if we can put some pressure on them through big plays and field position, we might be able to gain an edge."

Dogs handle KCI Panthers

The Bulldogs, for the third time this season, built a solid early lead thanks to big plays on both sides of the ball.

The Bulldogs took advantage early to a low Panther punt snap. Jon Brown tackled the NP punter at the 15-yard line, and Andy Ward scored on the first GHS play from scrimmage.

A Ward to Kevin Chadwick sideline pass covering 56 yards upped the ante to 14-0 at the 9:13 mark of the opening period after Stephen Wood tacked on the two-point conversion.

Kyle Croy recovered a North Platte fumble on the ensuing kickoff but the Panthers later reclaimed the pigskin with a pass interception. Gallatin’s defense held strong on fourth and goal from the five, and the offense kicked in with a 60-yard scoring run from Croy down the sideline.

Wood ripped off a pair of long runs and caught a pass to set up his two-yard scoring plunge with 22 seconds left in the first half.

Neither team could put anything on the scoreboard in the third period, but the Panthers were able to convert a touchdown at the end of a long series to open fourth quarter play. Fullback Sam Trave rammed in from four yards out to cut the lead to 26-6.

A final 19-yard scoring run by Wood was made possible by Croy’s long kickoff return inside Panther territory.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior captain Corey Lee was all over the field, as witnessed by his career-high 21 tackles. Linebacker Colton Selby made 13 stops and cornerback Andy Ward chalked up 12 tackles.

Gallatin 34, N. Platte 6

Scoring Summary

Gal: Ward 15 yd. run (kick blocked).

Gal: Ward to Chadwick 56 yds. (Wood conversion).

Gal: Ward 60 yd. run (kick failed).

Gal: Wood 2 yd. run (conversion failed).

NP: Trave 4 yd. run (conversion failed).

Gal: Wood 18 yd. run (Croy conversion).

GHS Offensive Leaders

Rushing: Wood 14 carries for 125 yds., 2 TD; Ward 10 carries for 97 yds., 2 TD; Croy 8 carries for 9 yds., Selby 2 carries for 7 yds.

Passing: Ward 5 of 11 for 127 yds., TD, Int. Receiving: Chadwick 2 receptions for 65 yds., TD; Teel 2 receptions for 48 yards.

Total Offense: 238 rushing, 127 passing.

GHS Defensive Leaders

Lee 21 tackles, Selby 13 tackles, Ward 12 tackles, Chadwick 9 tackles, Gienapp 7 tackles, Atkinson 7 tackles, Teel 6 tackles, Croy fumble recovery.

Total Defense: 158 yds. rushing allowed, 7/16 passing for 51 yds.

GRC Standings — Week 3

Sept. 21 Schedule

Hamilton at Gallatin (Homecoming)

Tarkio at Princeton

S. Harrison at Maysville

King City at Polo

Clarinda Acad. At Albany

Class 1 Football Poll

Last Week’s Results

Orrick 61, St. Paul’s 0

Marionville 43, Strafford 0

Gallatin 34, N. Platte 6

Monroe City 35. S. Shelby 28 (OT)

Hayti 34, Kennett 7

Tipton 35, Adrian 15

Mark Twain 24, Paris 20

S. Harrison 12, Hamilton 0

Concordia 41, Wentworth 0