APSE Class 3A all-state football team
Stump Godfrey wins Offensive Player of the Year
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Bring your memorabilia for the Buckeyes to sign to the Field House Friday morning
From The Gilmer Mirror:
The 2009 state champion Gilmer Buckeyes will assemble for the final time as a team on Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Field House located at the northeast corner of Buckeye Stadium.
This is your chance, Buckeye fans, to have members of the team autograph any memorabilia or souvenirs you have collected from the team’s storybook run to the Class 3A Division I title in undefeated fashion.
If you cannot be there in person, please bring any items you want signed to the Field House by that time.
The 2009 state champion Gilmer Buckeyes will assemble for the final time as a team on Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Field House located at the northeast corner of Buckeye Stadium.
This is your chance, Buckeye fans, to have members of the team autograph any memorabilia or souvenirs you have collected from the team’s storybook run to the Class 3A Division I title in undefeated fashion.
If you cannot be there in person, please bring any items you want signed to the Field House by that time.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Gilmer 43, Abilene Wylie 26
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
STATE CHAMPIONS Class 3A Division I for 2009 include, from left, front row, Christian Nation, manager, Kedon Franklin, Dylan Bowman, Tristan Holt, Justus Cheatham, Daniel McLaren, Luis Castro, Braylon Webb, Casey Shelton, Luke Turner, Tim Cregler, Renoire Horton, Vance Green, Adan Olivares, Coach Randall Canady, Darian “Stump” Godfrey, Alec Bradshaw, Paul Chesnut, Xavier Easley, Slade Morris Jordan Abron, Caleb Mosley, Traylon Webb, Jamar Todd, Ben Turner, Tre Washington, Chris Miller, Tevin Godfrey, Darius Parker; second row, Coach Tommy Edwards, Kavin Patton, Brandon Barnes, Ben Griffith, Marlon Granville, Vondrick Nelson, J.T. Beecham, Travis Carter, Eddie Fluellen, Gus Osborne, Harvy Horton, MarQualon Tate, Ty Barr, Tamil Harris, Chad Tennison, Jordan McCraven, Sam Davidson, Gavin Holt, Ricky Hohnson, Jeremy Jackson, Dakota Cannon, John Stone, Mikey Wilson, Duncan Goodrich, Jordan Traylor, Matt Fluellen, Lelon Montgomery, Ben Martin, Coach Alan Metzel, Nolan Hagler; third row, Coaches Matt Turner, Steve York, Tim Russell, Joey Hector, Joe Ed Bowin, Juan Lopez, Coach Wayne Coleman, Josh Gordan, Coach Kurk Traylor, Kris Elder, Coach Keith Tate, Jeremy McMillan, Coach Todd Fenton, David Oliveres, Carlos Sanchez, Chase Spencer, Eric Miller, Ricardo Quezada, Sam Haynes, Colton Hill, Adam Witcher, Devonte Brooks, Justin Vestal, Anthony Villafuerte, Caleb Denton, Cory Davis, Jasper Cox, Alex Vick, Dustin Hardin, Barry Kennedy, Wesley Lambert, Allen Wilkerson, Cody Davidson, Coach Max Low, Hayden Stansbury, Coaches Todd Barr, Elvis Jackson, Joey Jackson, Lance Gamble, and Ryan Pate; fourth row, Jordan Goodrich, Jason Thorpe, Zach Davidson, Beau Blair, Jacob Jenkins, Brady English, Branson Parker, Kole Lawhorn, Nathan Shelton, Nick Richardson, Mark Fluellen, Athletic Director and Head Coach Jeff Traylor; Markus Reid, Brian Boyd, Michael Boddie, Dillon Sampson, Hurashio Morgan, Brett Williams, T.J. Boyle, Austin Hollingsworth, John Reynoso, Darrion Pollard, Brice Rawls, Jarrett Finney.
From the Tyler Morning Telegraph:
Gilmer Captures Second State Title
From the Longview News-Journal:
Buckeyes bring home state title
From the Abilene Reporter News:
3A title: Wylie can't catch Gilmer after fast start
From the El Paso Times:
Gilmer beats Abilene Wylie 43-26
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
GILMER COACH JEFF TRAYLOR and senior players Stump Godfrey, Luis Castro and Mikey Wilson accept the state championship ball from University Interscholastic League executive director Charles Breithaupt. NIKE representative Brandon Williams, a Gilmer native, is to the right of Breithaupt and is about to award the Buckeyes the state championship trophy. The ceremony was held in the middle of Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the SMU campus last Saturday night after Gilmer’s 43-26 victory over the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs.
From The Gilmer Mirror:
Buckeyes bring home second state championship
The Gilmer Buckeyes finished a perfect 15-0 season as the number one ranked team in Class 3A with a decisive 43-26 victory over the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs Saturday night at SMU’s Ford Stadium in the Class 3A Division I State Championship.
The title is the Buckeyes’ second in school history, following the school’s 2004 Class 3A Division II championship. That team was quarterbacked by Manuel Johnson, who spoke to the team before the game.
“I just told them that Coach Traylor has prepared them for this opportunity,” said Johnson, now with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. “They’ve been preparing all year with the Buckeye Maker and summer workouts. This is not a game that is bigger than the rest of the ones they have played.”
Gilmer senior quarterback Stump Godfrey said Johnson challenged the seniors saying, “It’s the last game; why not go out and win it all? “He shared that with the team and we took it and came out and played hard,” said Godfrey.
“It’s kind of a sense of relief to be honest with you,” said Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor about fulfilling the expectations after being ranked in the preseason as Class 3A’s number one team. “I’m just happy for my kids and coaches.”
Abilene Wylie entered the game with one of the state’s top-ranked defenses, but it was Gilmer’s defense that stole the show, limiting the Bulldogs to only 58 yards and no points in the first half.
“Everybody talked about their defense being number one in the state and we thought our defense was pretty good too. We just felt like we got overlooked and the Black Flag showed up tonight and just played amazing,” said Traylor.
“We read all of the articles written about their defense. We didn’t have any articles written about our Black Flag Defense, so we just came out here and showed them who is the number one defense,” said safety Braylon Webb.
“Everything was about Abilene Wylie’s defense, nothing about Gilmer’s Black Flag Defense and that just added fuel to the fire and made everybody mad and made us want to prove a point,” said cornerback Ben Griffith.
“It was a great motivation for us,” confirmed safety Paul Chesnut.
That motivation was evident from the first series of the game, as Abilene Wylie won the coin toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. Starting from their 38-yard line, the Bulldogs managed only 14 yards in five plays before punting to the Buckeyes.
When Gilmer’s offense took control at their 21-yard line, it was quickly evident why the Buckeyes’ offense leads the state in scoring. Gilmer went 79 yards in 11 plays, scoring on a 15-yard screen pass from Stump Godfrey to Gus Osborne, who followed his blockers untouched into the end zone for the touchdown. Adan Olivares kicked the first of four successful extra points to give Gilmer a 7-0 lead with seven minutes left in the first quarter.
Olivares pinned the Bulldogs with his kickoff that went into the end zone for a touchback, giving Abilene Wylie the football at their own 20-yard line. This time, Gilmer’s defense gave up only two yards on three plays, forcing the Bulldogs to punt.
The Buckeyes’ offense traveled 25 yards in six plays, but Traylor played it safe on 4th down-and-2, punting the football back to the Bulldogs from the Abilene Wylie 43-yard line. The punt rolled into the end zone, giving the Bulldogs the football at their 20-yard line.
Abilene Wylie moved the football to their 38-yard line on the first three plays, but back-to-back sacks by the Buckeyes pushed the Bulldogs back to their 14-yard line and forced another punt.
The Bulldogs’ punt gave Gilmer the football at their 44-yard line. Four plays later, from the Gilmer 29-yard line, Godfrey hit Kedon Franklin on a wide receiver screen that Franklin took to the 7-yard line before getting hit by a defender and fumbling the football. Buckeyes’ lineman Caleb Denton picked up the loose ball and ran it into the end zone for a touchdown and 14-0 lead with nine seconds remaining in the first quarter.
“I was like a kid in a candy store when I saw the ball pop out,” said Denton, who scored the first touchdown of his career. “It’s the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had in my life.”
Despite the 2-touchdown lead, Godfrey was quick to recall the last time these two teams met. “As soon as we scored I told everyone that we were up 14-0 in 2007 and they came back and made it a ball game. The next series is crucial; we need to take care of business and score,” Godfrey said.
The Buckeyes’ defense took care of business on the next series, allowing 29 yards on four plays before Luis Castro intercepted Matt Preston’s attempted screen pass at the Bulldogs’ 47-yard line to give the ball back to the Gilmer offense.
The Buckeyes’ offense took advantage of the turnover, scoring on Braylon Webb’s 1-yard touchdown run with 8:12 left to play in the second quarter for a commanding 21-0 lead.
Gilmer’s defense kept up the pressure on the Bulldogs’ next possession, limiting Abilene Wylie to 19 yards on five plays before forcing the Bulldogs to punt again.
The Buckeyes took over at their 28-yard line, and looked poised to make the game a blowout until Gilmer’s Vance Green fumbled the football on the first play of the series to Abilene Wylie’s Kolter Wright who returned it 28 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Buckeyes’ lead to 21-7 with 5:33 left in the first half.
Despite a 42-yard kickoff return by Tristan Holt, Gilmer’s offense stalled on the next series, punting to the Bulldogs from the Abilene Wylie 47-yard line.
The Bulldogs took over at their 17-yard line. Seven plays later, Ben Griffith intercepted a Preston pass with his cast-covered left hand and returned it to the Abilene Wylie 11-yard line. “It was just a rail route and I just kind of sat on it and it was an underthrown ball. It hit my cast and bounced around but it stayed up long enough for me to grab it with my other hand,” explained Griffith.
Gilmer took advantage of the turnover, but had to settle for a 19-yard field goal from Olivares as time expired in the first half for a 24-7 lead.
The Bulldogs had six possessions in the first half which resulted in four punts, two turnovers and only six first downs against the Buckeyes’ defense.
“They came in motivated. They were focused. They were unbelievable. We knew they were going to come out and have a great game,” said Godfrey about Gilmer’s defense.
“I think we came out with a little more intensity and we got the job done,” said linebacker Mikey Wilson. “It felt great, but we knew that last week they were down and we had to seal the deal.”
“We knew they wouldn’t go away. We just had to keep playing,” said Traylor.
Abilene Wylie did not go away. In fact the Bulldogs made things very interesting to start the second half, holding Gilmer to 15 yards on five plays on the first series, forcing another Buckeyes’ punt.
After a nice punt return by the Bulldogs’ Cary Ramos to the 47-yard line, Abilene Wylie finally got their offense cranked for a 53-yard, 6-play scoring drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass from Preston to Austin Gray with 7:15 to go in the third quarter that made the score 24-14.
The Buckeyes were not surprised or overly concerned about the momentum shift. “We knew they were a good team. They fought hard and never gave up,” said defensive tackle Luis Castro.
Gilmer responded like true champions despite starting their next possession at their own 7-yard line. Godfrey connected with Franklin for a 20-yard gain on first down, then Godfrey turned in a spectacular effort two plays later when chased to the sideline, he heaved a throw deep downfield to Daniel McLaren, who made the catch for a 52-yard gain down to the Bulldogs’ 21-yard line.
Godfrey completed the 93-yard scoring drive with back-to-back quarterback draws up the middle for gains of 11 yards and then 10 yards for the touchdown to give the Buckeyes a 30-14 lead with 6:01 to play in the third quarter, after Olivares’ kick was wide following a high snap.
“I thought the play of the game was the long throw to Daniel,” said Traylor, who credited the Buckeyes’ touchdown drive with regaining the lost momentum.
The Bulldogs’ next series proved to be more like the first half, as Gilmer’s defense limited Abilene Wylie to only 15 yards on seven plays, forcing Abilene Wylie to punt for the fifth time in the game.
Thanks to a 15-yard penalty on the first play of the series, the Buckeyes could not take advantage of the opportunity, punting the football back to the Bulldogs 4 plays later.
Abilene Wylie’s Ramos returned the punt 14 yards to the Gilmer 35-yard line, giving the Bulldogs’ great field position. Once again the Black Flag Defense rose to the challenge, dropping running back Jon Miller for a 1-yard loss on first down and then pressuring Preston into three straight incomplete passes to return the football to the Buckeyes’ offense at the 36-yard line.
Gilmer kept it on the ground for this drive, handing the football to their version of a baseball closer in running back Marlon Granville. Other than a single carry by Godfrey for 13 yards, Granville kept the clock running with six carries for 51 yards, finishing the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 10:17 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Buckeyes a 37-14 lead.
“It feels great,” said Granville about scoring a touchdown in the state finals. “I’ve got a job and that’s what I do.”
Down by 23 points, the Bulldogs made quick work of their next possession, going 70 yards in seven plays and taking only 1:47 off the clock. More than half of the yards came on the first play when Preston connected with Rayce Burks for a 42-yard gain down to the Buckeyes’ 28-yard line. Preston and Burks completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass with 8:30 to play in the game. Preston’s 2-point conversion attempt was stopped short of the goal line, leaving the score 37-20.
The Bulldogs’ onside kick attempt bounced out of bounds at the Gilmer 47-yard line, giving the Buckeyes the football at the Abilene Wylie 48-yard line to start their final drive of the game.
Gilmer stayed on the ground for 8 plays of the 9 play drive, eating up another 5:03 off the clock. Granville and Godfrey took turns carrying the football on this drive. Granville had 5 carries for 7 yards, while Godfrey picked up 27 yards on 3 carries, including a 2-yard touchdown run with 3:27 to play. Gilmer’s extra point attempt missed, but the Buckeyes had an overwhelming 43-20 lead.
Abilene Wylie’s last grasp was a 73-yard, 10-play drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Preston on a quarterback keeper with only 1:07 left in the game. The Bulldogs’ 2-point conversion failed again.
The Bulldogs’ on-side kick attempt was not successful, and Gilmer took over at their 49-yard line. Godfrey sealed the victory with a 13-yard run on first down, before kneeling on the final play to run the time out on a 43-26 victory.
“It’s the greatest feeling in the world. We came out number one and we’re leaving number one,” said Mikey Wilson.
“It’s every high school football player’s dream to win a state championship,” said Tevin Godfrey.
“It’s the greatest feeling ever. I’ll never forget this moment,” Paul Chesnut replied.
“It’s the perfect way to end it,” summed up Luis Castro.
Mirror Photos / Mary Laschinger Kirby
KEDON FRANKLIN is hit hard inside the Wylie 10-yard line after taking a screen pass for big yardage from QB Stump Godfrey. He coughs up the football, but “it’s all good” as moments later lineman Caleb Denton picks it up and takes it into the end zone for the Buckeyes’ second touchdown.
STATISTICS
Gilmer Wylie
25 First downs 16
37-232 Rushes-yds 30-70
20-28-2-0 Passing 14-34-2-2
295 Passing yds 188
527 Total yds 258
1 Fumbles lost 0
23:07 Time of possession 24:53
7-70 Penalties 4-26
SCORE BY QUARTERS
1 2 3 4 T
Gilmer 14 10 6 13 43
Wylie 0 7 7 12 26
2009 Season in Review
Gilmer
Mascot: Buckeyes
Colors: Orange & Black
District: 17-3A
Enrollment: 701
Record: 14-0
Head Coach: Jeff Traylor (112-17 in 10 seasons at Gilmer)
Did you know? Jeff Traylor was an assistant coach at Big Sandy and Jacksonville before becoming Gilmer head coach.
Gilmer Buckeyes 2009 Season Results
Aug. 28 Jasper @ Nacogdoches, won: 42-14
The Buckeyes started the 2009 season with a trip to Homer Bryce Stadium on the SFA campus and came away with an impressive 42-14 victory over Jasper. Leading only 8-7 at the half, the Buckeyes erupted for 328 yards and 34 points after intermission.
Sep. 3 Rains @ Tyler, won 76-12
The Buckeyes made their annual trek to TMF Rose Stadium play in the Trinity Mother Frances Football Classic against a former district opponent. QB Stump Godfrey passed for 291 yards in only 17 attempts, completing 14 of them as Gilmer cruised to a 76-12 win after amassing a 48-0 halftime lead.
Sep. 11 @ Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, won 35-17
The Buckeyes trailed 17-9 as late as the third quarter, but finished strong. Stump Godfrey ran for three touchdowns, but the key play was his screen pass to Tristan Holt, who broke it for a 68-yard score, giving Gilmer a commanding 28-17 lead with 5:15 left in the third quarter.
Sep. 18 Kilgore, won 70-27
The 2009 motto “Code Red” was partially based on avenging Gilmer’s two losses in 2008 to teams featuring the color red and this was one of them. The Buckeyes stunned the 4A school by scoring on nine of their first 10 possessions before a standing-room only crowd of 5,000 for Homecoming.
Sep. 25 Daingerfield, won 43-20
In a game that pitted the state’s No. 1-ranked Class 3A and 2A teams against each other, Stump Godfrey passed for 279 yards to surpass 9,000 in his career as the Buckeyes closed out their predistrict schedule with a record of 5-0.
Oct. 9 @ Bullard, won 71-0
The Buckeyes began District 17-3A play on the road and cruised to their largest margin of victory since 1930. Gilmer’s Black Flag Defense held the Panthers to -7 on the ground and 77 total yards.
Oct. 16 Tyler Chapel Hill, won 45-7
Gilmer jumped out to a 28-0 lead by early in the second quarter and coasted to victory. Stump Godfrey passed for 283 yards and three TDs, crediting his receivers for making him look good during the Yamboree.
Oct. 23 @ Longview Spring Hill, won 66-14
Stump Godfrey celebrated his 18th birthday in style by passing for three TDs, becoming only the ninth QB in Texas high school history to pass for 100 TDs in his career. The Buckeyes scored 49 points in the first half.
Oct. 30 @ Gladewater, won 67-12
Tristan Holt scored on a 55-yard screen pass on the Buckeyes’ opening possession, setting the tone for another high-scoring win. The score after just one quarter of play was 32-12.
Nov. 6 Tatum, won 39-20
The Buckeyes jumped out to a 31-0 lead and wound up with the win to close out a perfect 10-0 regular season and a ninth consecutive undefeated district title. Tatum had the ball for about five times longer than Gilmer, frustrating the team’s quest to break its own state regular season scoring record.
Nov. 14 Jasper @ Tyler, won 57-21
“Code Red” failed to materialize for the second opponent as Chapel Hill missed the playoffs by a single point and Gilmer went into Division I, preventing a rematch with Division II “Red” Carthage. The first round was a rematch with Jasper, this time at TMF Rose Stadium. Gus Osborne, injured for much of the season, returned to run for 152 yards and three TDs as the Buckeyes seniors destroyed any supposed bi-district jinx from being ranked No. 1 all season.
Nov. 21 Waco La Vega @ Mesquite, won 44-16
The Pirates played the Buckeyes to a 3-3 tie for one quarter at Memorial Stadium, but after that, it was all Gilmer. Despite throwing no TD passes for only the second time in 41 games as starter, Stump Godfrey was pleased with the win and his coach, Jeff Traylor, said that winning was always his QB’s top priority.
Nov. 28 Navasota @ Lufkin, won 42-35
The Rattlers gave the Buckeyes a severe test as Gilmer came back to tie the game up right before halftime, 28-28. Halftime adjustments, though, worked in mostly shutting down Rattler QB Kye Hildreth’s high-octane offense. The Buckeyes lost Tristan Holt to an ankle injury after one quarter. Gus Osborne didn’t play at all and Vance Green was not healthy, but Marlon Granville took up the slack, running for most of the yardage on a time-consuming, game-clinching TD drive which came about after DB Ben Griffith had made a brilliant stop on 4th-and-5 on Navasota’s Thomas Sweed.
Dec. 5 Cuero @ Huntsville, won 42-36
The Buckeyes have played in a lot of exciting games over the last decade, but this one at Bowers Stadium on the campus of Sam Houston State University ranked with the best of them. Cuero jumped out to leads of 13-0 and 20-7, taking advantage of three Gilmer turnovers. At halftime, it was 27-21 in favor of the Gobblers, only the second time all year the Buckeyes had trailed at the half. But Stump Godfrey willed his team to victory in the second half, running for five TDs in all and passing for the other one. The Black Flag Defense came up big after Godfrey’s 68-yard TD run late in the game gave Gilmer a precarious lead, bending but not breaking as it held the Gobblers on downs at the Gilmer 5.
Dec. 12 Abilene Wylie @ University Park, won 43-26
In the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the campus of Southern Methodist University, Gilmer jumped out to a 21-0 lead over Wylie seemingly before the Bulldogs realized what had hit them. The game at first resembled a semifinal matchup at Texas Stadium against Snyder, a team in Wylie’s district, during the Buckeyes’ run to their first state title in 2004 (a 53-20 Gilmer rout), but Wylie closed the gap to only 24-14 midway through the third quarter. However, Stump Godfrey continued to be a man on a mission, passing for 295 yards and a TD and rushing for 148 more and two TDs. The Black Flag Defense proved the adage “defense wins championships” by stifling Wylie QB Matt Preston and his multiple offense most of the night. After University Interscholastic League officials awarded Gilmer the trophy after the game, Godfrey held the plaque up high for all to see. A few moments later he was heard to be on another mission. “Mrs. Camp! Mrs. Camp! Where’s Mrs. Camp,” Godfrey called out, amongst the hysteria. “Where is she?!” Finally, he found Diedra Camp, the widow of Buckeyes play-by-play man Matt Camp. “This is for you, Mrs. Camp,” Godfrey said, lowering the trophy from over his head and extending it toward her. “This is all for you.” Eyes watered as the two embraced in a heart-felt hug of gratitude, surrounded by the applause of Buckeye fans that knew the significance of the scene. (Thanks to Buck Cargal of HuddleUpTexas.com for his poignant description.)
From KLTV:
Gilmer wins state championship
From KTAB, Abilene:
Bulldogs Fall in Finale
From KTAB, Abilene:
DAVID BACON and DAVID ROBINETT do the broadcast.
ktabstream Archive
From KETKnbc:
Gilmer beats Abilene Wylie 43-26
From the Abilene Reporter News:
Video: Wylie High vs. Gilmer High
Videos of Gilmer Buckeyes vs Abilene Wylie Bulldogs
These come up in reverse chronological order. Scroll down to get to the beginning.
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
GILMER HEAD COACH JEFF TRAYLOR holds the championship trophy flanked by the two state-winning quarterbacks of the Buckeyes, Manuel “Manny” Johnson (2004) of the Dallas Cowboys at left and Darian “Stump” Godfrey (2009) at right.
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
GILMER QB STUMP GODFREY is surrounded by adoring kids wanting to look at the plaque the Buckeyes have just been awarded for winning state, but none is more important to him at the moment this was taken than Cade Camp (wearing the orange-billed Gilmer cap), son of the late Matt Camp, who broadcast the Buckeyes games since 2004 before passing away in September after a courageous battle against cancer.
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
COACH KURT TRAYLOR goes over blocking schemes with the Buckeyes offensive line. Players pictured from left are Jacob Jenkins, Beau Blair, Barry Kennedy, Dustin Hardin (mostly hidden), Michael Boddie and Caleb Denton. The schemes must have worked because the Buckeyes piled up well over 500 yards of total offense.
Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
MARLON GRANVILLE has been the man the Buckeyes have called on when they need to run time off the clock during the playoffs and the title game was no exception. Those blocking for him include, from left, Luke Turner, Beau Blair, Dustin Hardin, Tevin Godfrey, Barry Kennedy and Jacob Jenkins.
From The Gilmer Mirror:
Team of destiny
2009 Gilmer Buckeyes were ALWAYS No. 1
The Gilmer Buckeyes won it all in Class 3A Division I Saturday night at Ford Stadium on the SMU campus in convincing fashion with a 43-26 victory over the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs.
In doing so, the senior-laden team completed a perfect 15-0 season during and even before which they were always the No. 1-ranked Class 3A football team in Texas in the Associated Press Poll and every other one of any significance.
In fact, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football correctly predicted both that Gilmer would win state in Division I and that its opponent in the final would be Wylie.
It is probably even more difficult to win a title when you have a bullseye on your back like that. But the Buckeyes took it all in stride and set about on a businesslike march to the championship most expected would be theirs in the end.
Head Coach Jeff Traylor and his staff once again proved they could never be outcoached. Gilmer’s players once again proved they were extremely “coachable” and, above all, disciplined.
This team was behind at the half only twice all season. In retrospect, the Cuero Gobblers came the closest to being able to “tug on Superman’s cape,” in the words of the old song.
But Stump wasn’t wearing a cape and no one got close enough to tug on it even if he had been when he dashed 68 yards to the winning touchdown in that game, one of the most electrifying plays in the history of Gilmer football.
The theme for this year’s team was Code Red, inspired by the late Matt Camp’s positive attitude as he battled cancer. “Think it, say it, do it” was how the Buckeyes broadcaster described his philosophy. That was the Code part of it. The Red part came from the colors of the two teams Gilmer had lost to in 2008, the Bulldogs of Kilgore and Carthage.
The Buckeyes more than avenged their loss to Kilgore with a 70-27 win on Homecoming. But the rematch with Carthage was not meant to be, as Gilmer went into Division I and Carthage into Division II.
While some may still wish some sort of sick vicarious vengeance on the Carthage Bulldogs, we think most will join us in hoping they bring the other Class 3A state championship back to East Texas with a win over the Graham Steers Saturday night at Ford Stadium.
East Texas may be hidden out here behind the “Pine Curtain,” but it is more and more evident that some of the best high school football in the nation is played in this region year in and year out, often at our own Buckeye Stadium.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gilmer Buckeyes to play for the state championship tonight
By JOE DODD
The top ranked and undefeated Gilmer Buckeyes will try to win the school’s second state championship when they face the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs today at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The matchup between the Buckeyes and the Bulldogs in the final state title game this decade is a fitting tribute to the two most dominant teams in class 3A since 2000.
Gilmer has won more games this decade than any other class 3A team, going 111-17 since 2000. Abilene Wylie is close behind with a 106-26 record.
The Buckeyes and Bulldogs will be playing in their third state final in the last 10
years. Both teams won a state title in 2004. Gilmer and Abilene Wylie have combined for nine semifinal appearances this decade, including the 2007 Class 3A Division I semifinal that pitted the two teams against each other for the first time.
That game wasn’t decided until the Buckeyes’ Lamar Harris scored on a 34-yard pass with only 9 seconds to play, giving Gilmer a thrilling, come-from-behind 28-21 victory.
“It was a tough loss,” recalled Abilene Wylie head coach Hugh Sandifer, who is 211-79-4 in 24 years with the Bulldogs. “We felt like we had an opportunity to win that game. Gilmer did a great job coming back and getting the win.”
Coming into the game, the 2007 Bulldogs averaged 37 points and 309 yards per game on offense, while allowing only 15 points and 231 yards per game on defense. The 2009 Bulldogs average 33 points and 346 yards on offense, while allowing 14 points and 262 yards per game.
The 2007 Buckeyes averaged 51 points and 508 yards per game on offense, while allowing only 14.5 points and 234 yards per game on defense. The 2009 Buckeyes average 53 points and 461 yards on offense, while allowing 18 points and 228 yards per game.
Before the 2007 meeting, Gilmer was 13-0, while Abilene Wylie was 11-2. This time around the Buckeyes are 14-0, while the Bulldogs are 12-1.
Talk about déjà vu. “I don’t think there is a whole lot different. Both teams look pretty similar I think,” said Sandifer. “I guess the only thing different this time is we’re playing for the title instead of just getting to the game.”
Whoever wins the game and captures their second state championship, can rightfully claim the title as the most successful Class 3A team of the decade.
“We know Gilmer has had a great run in this decade,” said Sandifer. “We feel fortunate for what we’ve been able to do.”
Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor said he doesn’t want to think about the past 10 years. “I’ll talk to you about that all next week if we win Saturday,” said Traylor, who is worried about the present. “We’re just focused on this one right here. I’ve just got to find a way to win Saturday.”
The Buckeyes found a way to win last week, overcoming three first half turnovers and a 20-7 second quarter deficit to defeat Cuero 42-36. Gilmer’s defense stopped Cuero four times inside the 10-yard line after quarterback Stump Godfrey scored the winning touchdown on a 68-yard run with 2:12 remaining to play.
“What a year he’s had,” marveled Traylor about his senior quarterback, who is 40-3 as a starter. “If he could just win this last game, wow what a career.”
Traylor knows all too well how difficult a task that will be, calling this year’s Bulldogs, “A pretty typical Abilene Wylie team. They’re just so physical. They play at a level we’re not used to seeing. We don’t see anybody play as hard as they play. There’s a reason they’ve been to the semifinals six times in the last 10 years. They play at just such a high level.”
The Bulldogs had their own come-from-behind semifinal win last week in a 31-27 thriller over Lucas Lovejoy. Down three with 2:44 left to play, Abilene Wylie drove 64 yards in 11 plays, scoring the winning touchdown with eight seconds left on the clock when quarterback Matt Preston found Joe Nasser, who bulled his way into the end zone from six yards out.
The 4-point victory was the closest in the playoffs for the Bulldogs, who had won their first three playoff games by an average margin of almost 26 points per game.
Some could argue that Abilene Wylie’s playoff schedule wasn’t as difficult as their own district that featured 10-3 Brownwood and 12-1 Graham.
“Our district, I think, was real tough, but Gilmer has beaten a lot of good teams in the playoffs,” Sandifer said.
The Buckeyes waltzed through their district foes to the tune of a 47-point victory margin per game. But the playoffs have been brutal for the Buckeyes, who defeated 8-3 Jasper, 7-5 La Vega, 9-3 Navasota and 13-1 Cuero.
“I think we’ve both have earned this opportunity,” said Sandifer. “Now you just go play.”
Sandifer is playing with 42 seniors, including eight starters returning from a team that lost 39-38 in double overtime to eventual state champion Prosper in last year’s semifinal round.
Gilmer has 29 seniors, including 11 starters from the Buckeyes’ win over the Bulldogs in 2007.
“Both teams have guys that have been in a lot of big games,” said Sandifer. “I know there’s a bunch of seniors from both schools that have played in a lot of big games over the last three years.”
The Buckeyes’ Godfrey is thrilled with the opportunity to play the Bulldogs again, after suffering a serious thumb injury in the 2007 game that helped lead to Gilmer’s 38-13 loss in the championship to Liberty Hill the next week.
“A second chance is the best chance. This is it for us. We’ve just got to leave it all out there on the field,” said Godfrey.
“It was the worst feeling that I’ve ever had,” said senior linebacker Mikey Wilson about the loss in the championship game. “I don’t want to ever feel like that again.”
“We’ve always heard since seventh grade that we’re the team that’s going to win a state championship and we’re here,” marveled senior Ben Griffith.
Traylor told his seniors that they know what it’s like to lose in the state finals, and challenged them to find out what the 2004 state championship team knows. “Winning it in 2004 was one of the best feelings ever. Losing it in 2007 was one of the worse feelings ever,” Traylor said.
“I want to win a state championship,” said senior and 3-year starter Tristan Holt. “This is what I’ve been working for my whole career.”
Sandifer said the Bulldogs are also looking to erase the bad memories from semifinal losses the past two seasons. “They know that they’re playing for the biggest prize in the state of Texas. I think everybody will be ready to go.”
Just like 2007, this matchup between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs is a difference in style, not substance. Gilmer is known for a high-scoring spread offense, while Abilene Wylie is known for a dominant defense.
But like most championship caliber teams, the Buckeyes and Bulldogs are impressive on both sides of the football. Gilmer’s defensive stats are very similar with Abilene Wylie’s, while the Bulldogs’ offense is certainly no slouch.
One word can describe Abilene Wylie’s offense and defense; multiple. The Bulldogs like to use numerous formations and motion on offense, while not relying on a dominant offensive threat. The defense likes to line up in different fronts and coverages to keep the opponent guessing.
“They want paralysis by analysis,” explained Traylor about the Bulldogs’ multiple style. “They want you to stop and think instead of reacting.”
“Both teams are playing really well. Both teams know what they can do on both sides of the ball,” said Sandifer, who predicted; “The team that plays like what got them here will have the most success on Saturday.”
That same team will also be able to claim the title as most successful this decade.
By KENT DOMINGUE
We will be broadcasting the Gilmer-Abilene Wylie game live tonight at 6 p.m with a pregame show that starts at 5:45 p.m. on our MYTX station.
On Gilmer Cable that will be Channel 9.
On Longview Cable that will be Channel 10.
Plus we will be showing a tape delayed broadcast of the Longview-Denton Guyer game on Sunday at 12 Noon and 7 p.m.
MYTX CABLE GUIDE is online at www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=8735543
Kent Domingue is Director of Creative Services, KYTX CBS 19 / MYTX-My Texas TV
2009 Gilmer Buckeyes Offense
Statistical Leaders-Thru 14 Games
PASSING
Darian Godfrey 234 of 329 for 3,286 yards, 40 TD’S, 6 INT’S
Luke Turner 4 of 12 for 47 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jordan Traylor 3 of 5 for 45 yards, 2 TD’S
Braylon Webb 1 of 2 for 23 yards, 1 TD
TEAM TOTALS 242 of 348 for 3,401 yards, 44 TD’S, 7 INT’S
RECEIVING
Luke Turner 40 rec, 442 yards, 8 TD’S
Tristan Holt 36 rec, 779 yards, 11 TD’S
Tevin Godfrey 28 rec, 515 yards, 4 TD’S
Braylon Webb 27 rec, 302 yards, 5 TD’S
Ben Griffith 18 rec, 287 yards, 2 TD’S
TEAM TOTALS 242 rec, 3,401 yards, 44 TD’S
RUSHING
Darian Godfrey 127 carries, 689 yards, 20 TD’S
Vance Green 62 carries, 728 yards, 6 TD’S
Marlon Granville 58 carries, 430 yards, 4 TD'S
Gus Osborne 45 carries, 441 yards, 9 TD’S
Jeremy Jackson 43 carries, 318 yards, 1 TD
TEAM TOTALS 384 carries, 3,053 yards, 49 TD’S
SUMMARY
First Downs 274
Passing 3,401 yards
Rushing 3,053 yards
TOTAL OFFENSE 6,454 YARDS
Gilmer Buckeyes Black Flag Defense Season Statistics
Rushing Allowed: 1,901 yards
Passing Allowed: 1,294 yards
Total Allowed: 3,195 yards
Rushing Per Game: 135.8 yards
Passing Per Game: 92.4 yards
Total Per Game: 228.2 yards
Points Allowed: 251
Points Per Game: 17.9
Recovered Fumbles: 12
Interceptions: 12
Forced Turnovers: 24
Team Leaders
Tackles
Mikey Wilson 157
Luis Castro 120
Braylon Webb 115
Chris Miller 114
Eric Miller 79
Forced Fumbles
Braylon Webb 3
Eric Miller 2
Recovered Fumbles
Eric Miller 3
Luis Castro 2
Interceptions
Paul Chesnut 2
Ben Griffith 2
Harvey Horton 2
Sacks
Chris Miller 7
Luis Castro 4
Ty Barr 4
Eric Miller 4
GAME NOTES
TREAKS
Gilmer has a 14 game winning streak (last loss: 31-28 Carthage, 2008)
Gilmer has a 107 consecutive games scoring streak (last shutout: 10-0 @ Longview to Pleasant Grove, 2001)
Gilmer has a 1 game winning streak against Abilene Wylie
NOTES
This is Gilmer’s 4th appearance in a State Final
Gilmer is 1-2 in state finals
Jeff Traylor is 111-17 at Gilmer
Gilmer’s Jeff Traylor’s 86.7% winning percentage is the 3rd best among all active coaches in Texas
Gilmer is 21-7 under Jeff Traylor in playoff games
Gilmer is 1 of 2 teams in Class 3A that remain undefeated this season
Gilmer has won more games than any other 3A team in the state since 2000
Gilmer’s 739 points scored is the most in school history
Gilmer has scored 70 or more points in 3 games this season. The school record is 4 games by the 1929 and 1930 Buckeyes
Gilmer has scored 47 or more points in the first half 4 times this season
Gilmer’s 739 points is the most points scored in all classifications.
Gilmer’s 52.8 ppg average is the best in all classifications
Gilmer’s 34.9 average margin of victory is best in class 3A and 3rd best in all classifications
Gilmer's 732 offensive plays consist of 348 passing attempts (47.5%) and 384 rushing attempts (52.5%)
Gilmer averages 242.9 yards per game passing (52.7%) and 218.1 yards per game rushing (47.3%) for a total of 461 yards per game
Gilmer has receiving touchdowns by 11 different players
Gilmer has rushing touchdowns by 11 different players
Gilmer is 40-3 with Stump Godfrey as starting quarterback
Gilmer quarterback Stump Godfrey has 11,434 total yards for his career
Gilmer's Stump Godfrey’s 114 career touchdown passes ranks as 2nd best all time in Class 3A and is tied for 5th best in all classifications. (source: Joe Lee Smith)
TOUCHDOWN PASSES – CAREER --- Class 3A
132 – G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer 2006
114 - DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
TOUCHDOWN PASSES – CAREER --ll Classes
167 – GRAHAM HARRELL, Ennis, 2000-03 (4A)
137 – GARRETT GILBERT, Lake Travis, 2006-08
132 – G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer 2006
116 – COLT McCOY, Jim Ned, 2002-04 (2A)
114 – DREW TATE, Baytown Lee, 1999-02 (5A)
114- DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
Gilmer's Stump Godfrey’s 9,097 career passing yards ranks as 4th best all time in Class 3A and 9th best all time in all classifications (source: Joe Lee Smith)
CAREER PASSING YARDS --- ALL-TIME
12,534 – GARRETT GILBERT, Lake Travis, 2006-08
12,532 – GRAHAM HARRELL, Ennis, 2000-03
12,183 -- DREW TATE, Baytown Lee, 1999-02
11,762 -- G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer, 2006
10,136 -- PHILLIP DAUGHERTY, Bridgeport, 2000-02
10,046 -- CHANDLER DANE, Decatur, 2002-04
9,469 – TYRIK ROLLISON, Sulphur Springs, 2006-08
9,344 -- COLT McCOY, Jim Ned, 2002-04
9,097- DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
Gilmer’s Stump Godfrey’s 53 career rushing touchdowns is the most in school history
Gilmer’s Tristan Holt has scored 20 touchdowns this season including 11 receiving, 3 rushing, 5 on punt returns, and 1 kickoff return for 1,600 all-purpose yards. Holt has 67 all-purpose touches on the season
Gilmer’s Tristan Holt needs 38 receiving yards to give him 1,000 for his career
ABILENE WYLIE HIGH SCHOOL
MASCOT: Bulldogs
SCHOOL COLORS: Purple/Gold
DISTRICT: 2-3A
ENROLLMENT: 956
Head Football Coach: Hugh Sandifer
24th season at Abilene Wylie
Record at Abilene Wylie: 211-79-4
Overall Record: 211-79-4
Did you know? This is the Bulldogs’ 16th consecutive playoff appearance; a class 3A record.
Team Leaders
PASSING
Matt Preston 11 games 133-209-4 1,679 yards 11 TD's
RUSHING
Jon Miller 13 games 134 carries 833 yards 6 TD’s
Matt Preston 11 games 82 carries 348 yards 10 TD’s
Cory Ramos 13 games 60 carries 361 yards 9 TD’s
RECEIVING
Austin Gray 13 games 46 catches 727 yards 5 TD’s
Jon Miller 13 games 16 catches 242 yards 1 TD
TEAM OFFENSE
Rushing 2,681 yards 206.2 ypg
Passing 1,813 yards 139.5 ypg
Total 4,494 yards 345.7 ypg
TEAM DEFENSE
Rushing 2,011 yards 154.7 ypg
Passing 1,396 yards 107.4 ypg
Total 3,407 yards 262.1 ypg
Overall Record: 393-280-21
State Finals:3 (2000, 2004, 2009)
State Championships: 1 (2004)
Last District Championship: 2009
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008
All-Time Playoff Appearances: 22
All-Time Playoff Record: 38-20-1
From Coaches Aid:
Class 3A Division I final: Abilene Wylie vs. Gilmer
From the Longview News-Journal:
Buckeyes at a glance
From the Abilene Reporter News:
Wylie preview: Bulldogs face Gilmer for 3A state title
Wylie, Gilmer live up to preseason hype
Wylie fans excited about championship game
Gilmer locals say near everybody goes to the games
Former Gilmer player says program not unlike Wylie's
Why Gilmer wins: Stats tell the story
Video:
Benchwarmers Playoffs Week 5: Hugh Sandifer
From The Gilmer Mirror:
As all are aware, this is the season of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
We can’t think of a single entity that has created more good will in our community, our county and beyond than the Gilmer Buckeyes.
Every August, their many thousands of fans get excited as to what the new season has in prospect for them.
New stars emerge, but always the team is paramount.
These last several weeks, the power of the Buckeyes has been in evidence with several thousand fans following them everywhere they have traveled — from Tyler to Mesquite to Lufkin to Huntsville and now onward to the SMU campus in University Park within the city of Dallas.
Tonight at 6 p.m. at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, the undefeated Buckeyes will tee it up against the once-beaten Wylie Bulldogs from Abilene.
You can take it to the bank that it will appear that the entire city of Gilmer and then some has shown up on the visitors’ side at Ford Stadium to cheer for the Buckeyes.
There will be thousands more following the action live via the Internet. The awesome power of technology now enables fans even serving overseas in the military to keep up with their hometown teams.
The game will be on live TV and radio in a number of markets. It just doesn’t get any bigger or better than this for Class 3A Texas high school football.
This is for the Division I state championship. It’s the second time in three seasons the Buckeyes have been here and the third time in six seasons. Of course, the 2004 Buckeyes won it all in Division II. Since 2003, the Buckeyes have either won state or lost in the playoffs to the eventual state champion in their division in every year but one.
Just read the preceding paragraph over again and think about what accomplishments those are in and of themselves. There are way more than 100 3A schools who’ve never even been to ONE title game in this decade.
Coach Jeff Traylor and his staff are recognized now year in and year out as some of the best football coaches in Texas and therefore also the nation. They seem to establish a special chemistry with each continually-changing group of players that comes up through the ranks.
What a blessing this is to us all. All we can do is to enjoy following them and thank God for the privilege of doing so. This is what nearly every schoolboy dreams of doing from an early age and it is almost as much fun for us oldsters who are only living their dreams vicariously. They are no longer dreaming, though. They are living it.
And when Luis Castro, Marlon Granville, Mikey Wilson and other members of the Black Flag Defense begin gesturing to the Army of Buckeyes to “bring the noise” tonight, let’s make sure it is at a decibel level that will shatter eardrums not only all over the SMU campus, but all the way to downtown Dallas.
Watch the Game Live
Listen Live:
GilmerBuckeyes.com
KYKX.com
The top ranked and undefeated Gilmer Buckeyes will try to win the school’s second state championship when they face the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs today at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The matchup between the Buckeyes and the Bulldogs in the final state title game this decade is a fitting tribute to the two most dominant teams in class 3A since 2000.
Gilmer has won more games this decade than any other class 3A team, going 111-17 since 2000. Abilene Wylie is close behind with a 106-26 record.
The Buckeyes and Bulldogs will be playing in their third state final in the last 10
years. Both teams won a state title in 2004. Gilmer and Abilene Wylie have combined for nine semifinal appearances this decade, including the 2007 Class 3A Division I semifinal that pitted the two teams against each other for the first time.
That game wasn’t decided until the Buckeyes’ Lamar Harris scored on a 34-yard pass with only 9 seconds to play, giving Gilmer a thrilling, come-from-behind 28-21 victory.
“It was a tough loss,” recalled Abilene Wylie head coach Hugh Sandifer, who is 211-79-4 in 24 years with the Bulldogs. “We felt like we had an opportunity to win that game. Gilmer did a great job coming back and getting the win.”
Coming into the game, the 2007 Bulldogs averaged 37 points and 309 yards per game on offense, while allowing only 15 points and 231 yards per game on defense. The 2009 Bulldogs average 33 points and 346 yards on offense, while allowing 14 points and 262 yards per game.
The 2007 Buckeyes averaged 51 points and 508 yards per game on offense, while allowing only 14.5 points and 234 yards per game on defense. The 2009 Buckeyes average 53 points and 461 yards on offense, while allowing 18 points and 228 yards per game.
Before the 2007 meeting, Gilmer was 13-0, while Abilene Wylie was 11-2. This time around the Buckeyes are 14-0, while the Bulldogs are 12-1.
Talk about déjà vu. “I don’t think there is a whole lot different. Both teams look pretty similar I think,” said Sandifer. “I guess the only thing different this time is we’re playing for the title instead of just getting to the game.”
Whoever wins the game and captures their second state championship, can rightfully claim the title as the most successful Class 3A team of the decade.
“We know Gilmer has had a great run in this decade,” said Sandifer. “We feel fortunate for what we’ve been able to do.”
Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor said he doesn’t want to think about the past 10 years. “I’ll talk to you about that all next week if we win Saturday,” said Traylor, who is worried about the present. “We’re just focused on this one right here. I’ve just got to find a way to win Saturday.”
The Buckeyes found a way to win last week, overcoming three first half turnovers and a 20-7 second quarter deficit to defeat Cuero 42-36. Gilmer’s defense stopped Cuero four times inside the 10-yard line after quarterback Stump Godfrey scored the winning touchdown on a 68-yard run with 2:12 remaining to play.
“What a year he’s had,” marveled Traylor about his senior quarterback, who is 40-3 as a starter. “If he could just win this last game, wow what a career.”
Traylor knows all too well how difficult a task that will be, calling this year’s Bulldogs, “A pretty typical Abilene Wylie team. They’re just so physical. They play at a level we’re not used to seeing. We don’t see anybody play as hard as they play. There’s a reason they’ve been to the semifinals six times in the last 10 years. They play at just such a high level.”
The Bulldogs had their own come-from-behind semifinal win last week in a 31-27 thriller over Lucas Lovejoy. Down three with 2:44 left to play, Abilene Wylie drove 64 yards in 11 plays, scoring the winning touchdown with eight seconds left on the clock when quarterback Matt Preston found Joe Nasser, who bulled his way into the end zone from six yards out.
The 4-point victory was the closest in the playoffs for the Bulldogs, who had won their first three playoff games by an average margin of almost 26 points per game.
Some could argue that Abilene Wylie’s playoff schedule wasn’t as difficult as their own district that featured 10-3 Brownwood and 12-1 Graham.
“Our district, I think, was real tough, but Gilmer has beaten a lot of good teams in the playoffs,” Sandifer said.
The Buckeyes waltzed through their district foes to the tune of a 47-point victory margin per game. But the playoffs have been brutal for the Buckeyes, who defeated 8-3 Jasper, 7-5 La Vega, 9-3 Navasota and 13-1 Cuero.
“I think we’ve both have earned this opportunity,” said Sandifer. “Now you just go play.”
Sandifer is playing with 42 seniors, including eight starters returning from a team that lost 39-38 in double overtime to eventual state champion Prosper in last year’s semifinal round.
Gilmer has 29 seniors, including 11 starters from the Buckeyes’ win over the Bulldogs in 2007.
“Both teams have guys that have been in a lot of big games,” said Sandifer. “I know there’s a bunch of seniors from both schools that have played in a lot of big games over the last three years.”
The Buckeyes’ Godfrey is thrilled with the opportunity to play the Bulldogs again, after suffering a serious thumb injury in the 2007 game that helped lead to Gilmer’s 38-13 loss in the championship to Liberty Hill the next week.
“A second chance is the best chance. This is it for us. We’ve just got to leave it all out there on the field,” said Godfrey.
“It was the worst feeling that I’ve ever had,” said senior linebacker Mikey Wilson about the loss in the championship game. “I don’t want to ever feel like that again.”
“We’ve always heard since seventh grade that we’re the team that’s going to win a state championship and we’re here,” marveled senior Ben Griffith.
Traylor told his seniors that they know what it’s like to lose in the state finals, and challenged them to find out what the 2004 state championship team knows. “Winning it in 2004 was one of the best feelings ever. Losing it in 2007 was one of the worse feelings ever,” Traylor said.
“I want to win a state championship,” said senior and 3-year starter Tristan Holt. “This is what I’ve been working for my whole career.”
Sandifer said the Bulldogs are also looking to erase the bad memories from semifinal losses the past two seasons. “They know that they’re playing for the biggest prize in the state of Texas. I think everybody will be ready to go.”
Just like 2007, this matchup between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs is a difference in style, not substance. Gilmer is known for a high-scoring spread offense, while Abilene Wylie is known for a dominant defense.
But like most championship caliber teams, the Buckeyes and Bulldogs are impressive on both sides of the football. Gilmer’s defensive stats are very similar with Abilene Wylie’s, while the Bulldogs’ offense is certainly no slouch.
One word can describe Abilene Wylie’s offense and defense; multiple. The Bulldogs like to use numerous formations and motion on offense, while not relying on a dominant offensive threat. The defense likes to line up in different fronts and coverages to keep the opponent guessing.
“They want paralysis by analysis,” explained Traylor about the Bulldogs’ multiple style. “They want you to stop and think instead of reacting.”
“Both teams are playing really well. Both teams know what they can do on both sides of the ball,” said Sandifer, who predicted; “The team that plays like what got them here will have the most success on Saturday.”
That same team will also be able to claim the title as most successful this decade.
If you can't be there, watch it live on MYTX-My Texas TV
By KENT DOMINGUE
We will be broadcasting the Gilmer-Abilene Wylie game live tonight at 6 p.m with a pregame show that starts at 5:45 p.m. on our MYTX station.
On Gilmer Cable that will be Channel 9.
On Longview Cable that will be Channel 10.
Plus we will be showing a tape delayed broadcast of the Longview-Denton Guyer game on Sunday at 12 Noon and 7 p.m.
MYTX CABLE GUIDE is online at www.cbs19.tv/Global/story.asp?S=8735543
Kent Domingue is Director of Creative Services, KYTX CBS 19 / MYTX-My Texas TV
2009 Gilmer Buckeyes Offense
Statistical Leaders-Thru 14 Games
PASSING
Darian Godfrey 234 of 329 for 3,286 yards, 40 TD’S, 6 INT’S
Luke Turner 4 of 12 for 47 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jordan Traylor 3 of 5 for 45 yards, 2 TD’S
Braylon Webb 1 of 2 for 23 yards, 1 TD
TEAM TOTALS 242 of 348 for 3,401 yards, 44 TD’S, 7 INT’S
RECEIVING
Luke Turner 40 rec, 442 yards, 8 TD’S
Tristan Holt 36 rec, 779 yards, 11 TD’S
Tevin Godfrey 28 rec, 515 yards, 4 TD’S
Braylon Webb 27 rec, 302 yards, 5 TD’S
Ben Griffith 18 rec, 287 yards, 2 TD’S
TEAM TOTALS 242 rec, 3,401 yards, 44 TD’S
RUSHING
Darian Godfrey 127 carries, 689 yards, 20 TD’S
Vance Green 62 carries, 728 yards, 6 TD’S
Marlon Granville 58 carries, 430 yards, 4 TD'S
Gus Osborne 45 carries, 441 yards, 9 TD’S
Jeremy Jackson 43 carries, 318 yards, 1 TD
TEAM TOTALS 384 carries, 3,053 yards, 49 TD’S
SUMMARY
First Downs 274
Passing 3,401 yards
Rushing 3,053 yards
TOTAL OFFENSE 6,454 YARDS
Gilmer Buckeyes Black Flag Defense Season Statistics
Rushing Allowed: 1,901 yards
Passing Allowed: 1,294 yards
Total Allowed: 3,195 yards
Rushing Per Game: 135.8 yards
Passing Per Game: 92.4 yards
Total Per Game: 228.2 yards
Points Allowed: 251
Points Per Game: 17.9
Recovered Fumbles: 12
Interceptions: 12
Forced Turnovers: 24
Team Leaders
Tackles
Mikey Wilson 157
Luis Castro 120
Braylon Webb 115
Chris Miller 114
Eric Miller 79
Forced Fumbles
Braylon Webb 3
Eric Miller 2
Recovered Fumbles
Eric Miller 3
Luis Castro 2
Interceptions
Paul Chesnut 2
Ben Griffith 2
Harvey Horton 2
Sacks
Chris Miller 7
Luis Castro 4
Ty Barr 4
Eric Miller 4
GAME NOTES
TREAKS
Gilmer has a 14 game winning streak (last loss: 31-28 Carthage, 2008)
Gilmer has a 107 consecutive games scoring streak (last shutout: 10-0 @ Longview to Pleasant Grove, 2001)
Gilmer has a 1 game winning streak against Abilene Wylie
NOTES
This is Gilmer’s 4th appearance in a State Final
Gilmer is 1-2 in state finals
Jeff Traylor is 111-17 at Gilmer
Gilmer’s Jeff Traylor’s 86.7% winning percentage is the 3rd best among all active coaches in Texas
Gilmer is 21-7 under Jeff Traylor in playoff games
Gilmer is 1 of 2 teams in Class 3A that remain undefeated this season
Gilmer has won more games than any other 3A team in the state since 2000
Gilmer’s 739 points scored is the most in school history
Gilmer has scored 70 or more points in 3 games this season. The school record is 4 games by the 1929 and 1930 Buckeyes
Gilmer has scored 47 or more points in the first half 4 times this season
Gilmer’s 739 points is the most points scored in all classifications.
Gilmer’s 52.8 ppg average is the best in all classifications
Gilmer’s 34.9 average margin of victory is best in class 3A and 3rd best in all classifications
Gilmer's 732 offensive plays consist of 348 passing attempts (47.5%) and 384 rushing attempts (52.5%)
Gilmer averages 242.9 yards per game passing (52.7%) and 218.1 yards per game rushing (47.3%) for a total of 461 yards per game
Gilmer has receiving touchdowns by 11 different players
Gilmer has rushing touchdowns by 11 different players
Gilmer is 40-3 with Stump Godfrey as starting quarterback
Gilmer quarterback Stump Godfrey has 11,434 total yards for his career
Gilmer's Stump Godfrey’s 114 career touchdown passes ranks as 2nd best all time in Class 3A and is tied for 5th best in all classifications. (source: Joe Lee Smith)
TOUCHDOWN PASSES – CAREER --- Class 3A
132 – G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer 2006
114 - DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
TOUCHDOWN PASSES – CAREER --ll Classes
167 – GRAHAM HARRELL, Ennis, 2000-03 (4A)
137 – GARRETT GILBERT, Lake Travis, 2006-08
132 – G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer 2006
116 – COLT McCOY, Jim Ned, 2002-04 (2A)
114 – DREW TATE, Baytown Lee, 1999-02 (5A)
114- DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
Gilmer's Stump Godfrey’s 9,097 career passing yards ranks as 4th best all time in Class 3A and 9th best all time in all classifications (source: Joe Lee Smith)
CAREER PASSING YARDS --- ALL-TIME
12,534 – GARRETT GILBERT, Lake Travis, 2006-08
12,532 – GRAHAM HARRELL, Ennis, 2000-03
12,183 -- DREW TATE, Baytown Lee, 1999-02
11,762 -- G.J. KINNE, Canton, 2003-05; Gilmer, 2006
10,136 -- PHILLIP DAUGHERTY, Bridgeport, 2000-02
10,046 -- CHANDLER DANE, Decatur, 2002-04
9,469 – TYRIK ROLLISON, Sulphur Springs, 2006-08
9,344 -- COLT McCOY, Jim Ned, 2002-04
9,097- DARIAN GODFREY, Gilmer, 2007-Current
Gilmer’s Stump Godfrey’s 53 career rushing touchdowns is the most in school history
Gilmer’s Tristan Holt has scored 20 touchdowns this season including 11 receiving, 3 rushing, 5 on punt returns, and 1 kickoff return for 1,600 all-purpose yards. Holt has 67 all-purpose touches on the season
Gilmer’s Tristan Holt needs 38 receiving yards to give him 1,000 for his career
ABILENE WYLIE HIGH SCHOOL
MASCOT: Bulldogs
SCHOOL COLORS: Purple/Gold
DISTRICT: 2-3A
ENROLLMENT: 956
Head Football Coach: Hugh Sandifer
24th season at Abilene Wylie
Record at Abilene Wylie: 211-79-4
Overall Record: 211-79-4
Did you know? This is the Bulldogs’ 16th consecutive playoff appearance; a class 3A record.
Team Leaders
PASSING
Matt Preston 11 games 133-209-4 1,679 yards 11 TD's
RUSHING
Jon Miller 13 games 134 carries 833 yards 6 TD’s
Matt Preston 11 games 82 carries 348 yards 10 TD’s
Cory Ramos 13 games 60 carries 361 yards 9 TD’s
RECEIVING
Austin Gray 13 games 46 catches 727 yards 5 TD’s
Jon Miller 13 games 16 catches 242 yards 1 TD
TEAM OFFENSE
Rushing 2,681 yards 206.2 ypg
Passing 1,813 yards 139.5 ypg
Total 4,494 yards 345.7 ypg
TEAM DEFENSE
Rushing 2,011 yards 154.7 ypg
Passing 1,396 yards 107.4 ypg
Total 3,407 yards 262.1 ypg
Overall Record: 393-280-21
State Finals:3 (2000, 2004, 2009)
State Championships: 1 (2004)
Last District Championship: 2009
Last Playoff Appearance: 2008
All-Time Playoff Appearances: 22
All-Time Playoff Record: 38-20-1
From Coaches Aid:
Class 3A Division I final: Abilene Wylie vs. Gilmer
From the Longview News-Journal:
Buckeyes at a glance
From the Abilene Reporter News:
Wylie preview: Bulldogs face Gilmer for 3A state title
Wylie, Gilmer live up to preseason hype
Wylie fans excited about championship game
Gilmer locals say near everybody goes to the games
Former Gilmer player says program not unlike Wylie's
Why Gilmer wins: Stats tell the story
Video:
Benchwarmers Playoffs Week 5: Hugh Sandifer
From The Gilmer Mirror:
Go Buckeyes!
As all are aware, this is the season of “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
We can’t think of a single entity that has created more good will in our community, our county and beyond than the Gilmer Buckeyes.
Every August, their many thousands of fans get excited as to what the new season has in prospect for them.
New stars emerge, but always the team is paramount.
These last several weeks, the power of the Buckeyes has been in evidence with several thousand fans following them everywhere they have traveled — from Tyler to Mesquite to Lufkin to Huntsville and now onward to the SMU campus in University Park within the city of Dallas.
Tonight at 6 p.m. at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, the undefeated Buckeyes will tee it up against the once-beaten Wylie Bulldogs from Abilene.
You can take it to the bank that it will appear that the entire city of Gilmer and then some has shown up on the visitors’ side at Ford Stadium to cheer for the Buckeyes.
There will be thousands more following the action live via the Internet. The awesome power of technology now enables fans even serving overseas in the military to keep up with their hometown teams.
The game will be on live TV and radio in a number of markets. It just doesn’t get any bigger or better than this for Class 3A Texas high school football.
This is for the Division I state championship. It’s the second time in three seasons the Buckeyes have been here and the third time in six seasons. Of course, the 2004 Buckeyes won it all in Division II. Since 2003, the Buckeyes have either won state or lost in the playoffs to the eventual state champion in their division in every year but one.
Just read the preceding paragraph over again and think about what accomplishments those are in and of themselves. There are way more than 100 3A schools who’ve never even been to ONE title game in this decade.
Coach Jeff Traylor and his staff are recognized now year in and year out as some of the best football coaches in Texas and therefore also the nation. They seem to establish a special chemistry with each continually-changing group of players that comes up through the ranks.
What a blessing this is to us all. All we can do is to enjoy following them and thank God for the privilege of doing so. This is what nearly every schoolboy dreams of doing from an early age and it is almost as much fun for us oldsters who are only living their dreams vicariously. They are no longer dreaming, though. They are living it.
And when Luis Castro, Marlon Granville, Mikey Wilson and other members of the Black Flag Defense begin gesturing to the Army of Buckeyes to “bring the noise” tonight, let’s make sure it is at a decibel level that will shatter eardrums not only all over the SMU campus, but all the way to downtown Dallas.
Watch the Game Live
Listen Live:
GilmerBuckeyes.com
KYKX.com
Friday, December 11, 2009
Traylor At Forefront Of Dominant Decade etc.
From the Tyler Morning Telegraph:
Traylor At Forefront Of Dominant Decade
Stingy Wylie Defense Key To Upset Victory
Buckeyes Continue Production Of Top-Notch Wide Receivers
From BigCountryHomePage:
Sports Connection/Wylie High School
Traylor At Forefront Of Dominant Decade
Stingy Wylie Defense Key To Upset Victory
Buckeyes Continue Production Of Top-Notch Wide Receivers
From BigCountryHomePage:
Sports Connection/Wylie High School
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Buckeyes Send-off Celebration
Come to the Field House at Buckeye Stadium at or before 12:30 p.m. on Saturday to celebrate the team and send them off to SMU in style!
Also, don't forget the Community Pep Rally scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the Gilmer High School Gym.
Also, don't forget the Community Pep Rally scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the Gilmer High School Gym.
Way to Go Buckeyes!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
MYTX (My Texas TV) to broadcast Gilmer-Abilene Wylie game live
By KENT DOMINGUE
We will be broadcasting the Gilmer-Abilene Wylie game live Saturday night at 6pm...With a Pregame show that starts at 5:45pm on our MYTX station...On Gilmer Cable that will be Channel 9 and on Etex Channel 1...On Longview Cable that will be Channel 10...plus we will be showing a tape delayed broadcast of the Longview-Denton Guyer game on Sunday at 12 Noon and 7pm...
MYTX CABLE GUIDE
Kent Domingue is Director of Creative Services,
KYTX CBS 19 / MYTX-My Texas TV
We will be broadcasting the Gilmer-Abilene Wylie game live Saturday night at 6pm...With a Pregame show that starts at 5:45pm on our MYTX station...On Gilmer Cable that will be Channel 9 and on Etex Channel 1...On Longview Cable that will be Channel 10...plus we will be showing a tape delayed broadcast of the Longview-Denton Guyer game on Sunday at 12 Noon and 7pm...
MYTX CABLE GUIDE
Kent Domingue is Director of Creative Services,
KYTX CBS 19 / MYTX-My Texas TV
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