In the first round of the GHSA class AAA state football playoffs, the North Hall Trojans defeated the Gilmer Bobcats 21-14, to advance to the Sweet 16 round this coming Friday.

The game was a hard-fought defensive battle, with Gilmer scoring touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters for a total of 14 points. Meanwhile, the Trojans scored touchdown in the 1st and second quarter, as well as the first overtime, for a total of 21 points.

The game was tied 14-14 near the end of the fourth quarter when Gilmer made a field goal attempt from the 31 yard line. A flag was called on the play, and the ball was moved up 20 yards, giving the Bobcats another 3-point attempt. The field goal was missed once again, sending the game into overtime. North Hall was then able to score again to gain a 7-point lead and the victory.

The Trojans will be back at home on Friday to take on the Upson-Lee Knights.

Sean Pender interviewed on ‘The Saturday Morning Sports Show’

Mike Wofford interviewed North Hall head coach Sean Pender on WGTJ’s “The Saturday Morning Sports Show’, to discuss the big win.

Scores by Classification:

Class AAA
Cherokee Bluff 28, Monroe Area 7
Jefferson 45, Monroe 6
LaGrange 48, Lumpkin County 6
North Hall 21, Gilmer 14, OT
Oconee County 31, Westside-Augusta 14
Peach County 56, Chestatee 33
Upson-Lee 35, Long County 23

Class AAAA
Eastside 42, Hampton 0
Jones County 51, East Forsyth 21
North Oconee 49, Eagle’s Landing 0
Ola 37, Flowery Branch 0

Class AAAAA
Coffee 31, Jackson County 7
Houston County 69, Clarke Central 48
Lee County 47, Habersham Central 7
Milton 42, Woodstock 7
Roswell 41, River Ridge 31
Sequoyah 38, Gainesville 28
Sprayberry 27, Lanier 14
Thomas County Central 70, Winder-Barrow 6

Class AAAAAA
Buford 57, East Coweta 9
Norcross 37, Lambert 27
North Gwinnett 45, Denmark 7
West Forsyth 24, Brookwood 10

Class AA
Sumter County 37, Union County 6
Morgan County 52, East Jackson 49
Ringgold 19, Hart County 0

Stephens County 31, North Murray 14

Class A Division I
Bleckley County 41, Social Circle 16
Commerce 35, Bremen 28
Elbert County 28, Gordon Lee 13
Fannin County 41, Vidalia 7
Fitzgerald 42, Rabun County 21