Athens 8th grade football team stormed from behind to edge visiting Gallipolis, 14-8, in a game played on the old Chauncey-Dover Field Thursday evening.
Gallipolis scored first as time expired in the first period when T. J. McCalla sneaked over from the three. McCalla then passed for the two extra points to Justin Bailey making it 8-0.
Athens scored with 1:03 left in the second quarter following a Gallipolis bobble deep in Athens territory, but missed the points after to give the visitors an 8-6 halftime lead.
Two costly fumbles in the second half proved to be the Gallians downfall. The Bulldogs took advantage on one of those fumbles late in the third period to take a 14-8 lead.
Gallipolis was threating early in the fourth period, but lost the ball on another fumble.
GAHS had one last chance with 2:30 left in the game when Luke Pullins intercepted an AHS pass deep in Gallipolis territory, and ran it 30 yards back to midfield. However, AHS defenders dug in and halted the threat, then then ran out the clock.
The victory left Athens 4-1-1 on the year. The Gallians lost their first game of the season, and dropped to 4-1.
Next Thursday, Gallipolis will host unbeaten Ironton on Memorial Field, then they will close out the 2008 campaign at Warren Local on Oct. 23.
Athens 8th rallies to edge Gallipolis, 14-8
Re: Athens 8th rallies to edge Gallipolis, 14-8
i don't no wat happened th the devils but i heard that the refs were homering them and athens players were making bad jestures towards the devils
Re: Athens 8th rallies to edge Gallipolis, 14-8
Those three fumbles and a costly offsides on fourth down and two gave Athens the win Thursday. Otherwise, Gallipolis could have won, 8-0.
Refs, other than one or two callls, worked a good game in my opinion. Gallians looked a little flat after taking 8-0 lead.
Refs, other than one or two callls, worked a good game in my opinion. Gallians looked a little flat after taking 8-0 lead.