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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.

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

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