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Buckeyes start season with interstate matchup

By JOE DODD

There have been a lot of firsts for the Gilmer Buckeyes’ football team in their seven seasons under head coach Jeff Traylor. There was the team’s first perfect season and first state championship in 2004. There was the first preseason number one ranking and first-ever out-of-state opponent in 2006. Now the Buckeyes have another first to add to that resume: hosting their first out-of-state opponent.

The Richwood (Louisiana) Rams visit Buckeye Stadium Friday night to kick off the 2007 season for the 7th-ranked Buckeyes. Richwood finished the 2006 season 8-5, losing in the Louisiana Class 3A Quarterfinals despite a 3-game losing streak to start the season. That’s something that Rams receiver Richard Wilson would like to avoid this year. “Last year we started off 0-3 and we kind of got down,” confessed Wilson. “We’re trying to start off on the right track this year, so we hope to win and continue on from there.”

Gilmer however, would love to start the season off exactly the way they started 2006, when they rolled over Las Vegas Bishop Gorman 56-14 in the season opener. Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor doesn’t think that’s likely. “They are as talented as Tatum, Jasper, Liberty-Eylau and Paris,” insisted Traylor.

“They’re very physical, they’re very fast, they’re very athletic,” continued Traylor, “That’s why I like the game. To me the two biggest games on our schedule are Tatum and Liberty-Eylau this year, because I think those are the two teams that are athletically better than us. I think Richwood will be athletically better than us, so that excites me. For us to have a great year, we have to beat those two teams, so this will be a good tune-up for us.”

The Rams are very similar to the Buckeyes on both sides of the football. On offense, Richwood operates primarily from the shotgun and runs the spread. Defensively, the Rams line up in a 4-3 and play mostly man-to-man in the secondary. The Rams averaged 30 points per game last season and return six starters on offense, including Wilson who accounted for over 1,700 all-purpose yards last year as a sophomore.

Another Ram who had an impressive sophomore season was Greg Johnson who rushed for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns as Richwood’s primary running back. This year, Johnson moves to quarterback, a position he last played in junior high. Defensively, the Rams allowed almost 23 points per game, and return only three starters.

Rams head coach Warren Trimble says that his team is ready for their first out-of-state game. “They know it’s a challenge,” stated Trimble. “They’re real excited about it. We know it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

Traylor knows that the Buckeyes face the same challenge, but stressed that the offense will adjust to what the Rams give them. “We’re going to see what their strengths are and their weaknesses, and we’re going to tactically attack that,” Traylor said. “Whatever we see them do defensively and talent-wise; within our plan, it’s already built in. It’s not like we’re going to have to change anything.”

Trimble knows enough about the Buckeyes offense to be worried. “You don’t know who to stop,” said the second year head coach. “You’ve got to be solid on everything you do defensively. They’re big up front, and they got that big back back there, so I know they’re going to try and play some smash-mouth football. The quarterback throws the ball very well. They’ve got those receivers out there that can catch the ball well.”

Trimble is no stranger to Texas football, having coached at Bryan, Corsicana, Denison and Greenville. He’s excited about the chance to introduce his players to Texas high school football, but is careful not to overhype the experience.

“You don’t dwell on it. You just try to prepare your kids to meet the challenge. All we can do is prepare and hopefully win the ballgame, because that’s our objective.”

Traylor insists that there is little difference between the two states’ passion for the game. “I know Louisiana plays great football. They’re proud of their football.”

Another thing the two teams have in common is the desire to learn from this experience. “We’re a team that’s trying to grow up and put our puzzle together,” said Trimble. “We’re just trying to get some kids in the right spot.”

Traylor agreed with Trimble, saying, “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you better.”

“This is going to be a good one,” promised Traylor.


Mirror Photo / Mary Laschinger Kirby
GILMER QB Darian "Stump" Godfrey will make his first start for the varsity Buckeyes Friday night. Godfrey is a 6'1", 195-lb. sophomore.


Richwood Rams vs. Gilmer Buckeyes

Buckeye Stadium, Gilmer

Friday night, Aug. 31 - 7:30 p.m.

Listen live at

ww.GilmerBuckeyes.com

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