Gilmer Buckeyes

By JOE DODD Thirty-four members of the 2007 Gilmer Buckeyes were recently selected to the District 15-3A All-District football team, as postseason honors began to pour in for the Class 3A Division I state finalists. “I remember when I was a kid; it was very important to make all-district,” said Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor. “I know how hard they work to get these honors.” The Buckeyes swept all six superlative honors on the team that was selected by the district coaches. Senior running back Justin Johnson was named the district’s Most Valuable Player. Senior offensive lineman David Snow was selected the offensive MVP. Senior linebackers Ross Stevens and Brennan Thompson shared defensive MVP honors. Sophomore quarterback Darian Godfrey captured Offensive Newcomer honors, while sophomore safeties Paul Chesnut and Braylon Webb shared Defensive Newcomer honors. Traylor and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff was named the coaching staff of the year. Johnson finished the season with 2,171 yards ...

Located about 125 miles east of Dallas, tiny Gilmer (pop. 5,143) could be the quintessential small Texas town. Football rules — and with good reason. The Buckeyes have averaged more than 10 victories per season over the past decade. Johnson, Snow play in Army All-American Bowl By JOE DODD Gilmer Buckeyes' senior football players Justin Johnson and David Snow will play together for the final time today in the Army All-American Bowl at San Antonio's Alamodome. The game kicks off at noon and will be nationally televised on NBC. “They started playing together as freshman on the 2004 state championship team and they get to finish up in the Army All-American Bowl,” said Gilmer head coach Jeff Traylor. “I can't think of a better career than that. They started with a state championship game; they ended with a state championship game; and now they get to finish it with a game broadcast on NBC. It sounds like a lot of fun to me.” With Snow (6-4, 300) blocking, Johnson (6-2, 215) rus...