Gordon Central wins 2nd straight
Embodying every aspect of head coach Cory Nix’s vision for a culture change within the Gordon Central football program, the Warriors transformed last week’s historic win into a winning streak with a 20-3 victory over the Model Blue Devils on Friday.
The Warriors (2-6, 2-3 Region 7-AA) defense was charged with slowing down Model’s (1-7, 1-4 Region 7-AA) innovative triple option-style offensive scheme, and the unit proved it was up to the task. Gordon Central’s defenders brought a high level of intensity and disruption from the opening whistle, forcing and recovering a fumble on the Blue Devils’ opening possession. The Warriors also buckled down and held
Gordon Central 20, Model 3
Model to a Matthew Syverson field goal after a penalty placed them near the 10-yard line.
The physicality continued in the second quarter, as the defensive personnel bent but didn’t break.
Deep into Gordon Central territory, the Warriors forced the Blue Devils into another field goal attempt, which was pushed wide left for no points.
The defense also made a key play when it forced an additional fumble on a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak attempt near midfield, which was pounced on by Dorian McConnell, among other Warriors.
“I really want to brag about the defense,” Nix said. “They were phenomenal all night long, and the staff has done such a great job getting them prepared. We give them all the credit in the world for that performance tonight.”
Gordon Central’s offense was punishing, efficient and at times creative against the Blue Devils.
The Warriors’ first touchdown was a 35yard passing touchdown to wide receiver Corey Dixon. However, it wasn’t starting quarterback Martavius Harris that threw him the ball. In a brilliantly designed flea flicker, running back Branson Towe delivered one of the best passes of the night into the outstretched arms of Dixon for six and the lead.
The Blue Devils built a little momentum coming out of the halftime locker room, promptly marching down the field all the way to Gordon Central’s 3-yard line. But the Warrior defense won the battle in the trenches and stopped them on all four attempts to punch it in.
After the crucial defensive stop, the Warrior offense showed the highest amount of determination and resiliency perhaps all season during a 97yard, clock-killing drive that culminated in a one-yard Harris rushing touchdown. On that drive, Gordon Central leaned on huge, chunk gains from Gage Giddens, Alex Abat and Towe to convert five out of five third down attempts.
Giddens was a handful for the Model defense to deal with all evening, rumbling for 78 yards on 14 carries. Towe gained 13 bruising rushing yards and 26 receiving yards. Both had significant gains called back due to holding penalties.
Brent Silvar chipped in 13 rushing yards in the first half, while Abat tacked on 11 rushing yards in impactful moments.
“That is two weeks in a row where our offense did an outstanding job moving the ball,” Nix said. “We focused on getting first downs when we had the opportunity, and eventually we turned that into scores. Everyone on the offense contributed, and I was really proud all their efforts.”
Gordon Central will look to keep rolling next week when it welcomes Rockmart to Ratner Stadium next Friday; Model visits Coosa.