The Gilmer Buckeyes clinched the 4A Division II State Championship with a nail-biting 28-26 win over the Bellville Brahmas on Friday, December 15. The high-scoring first half gave way to a tense defensive battle in the second, with Gilmer ultimately prevailing thanks to critical plays on both sides of the ball.

First-Half Fireworks

Bellville struck first when running back Sam Hranicky broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run, giving the Brahmas an early 7-0 lead. Gilmer quickly responded as quarterback Cadon Tennison connected with Brendan Webb for an 8-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score.

The Buckeyes gained momentum when Webb recovered a fumble, setting up Tennison’s 2-yard touchdown scramble to put Gilmer ahead 14-7. Bellville answered with a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Zach Leuschner to DD Murray, but a blocked extra point left Gilmer clinging to a 14-13 advantage.

Explosive plays defined the second quarter. Will Henderson sprinted 65 yards for a Buckeyes touchdown, followed by Hranicky’s 58-yard scoring run for Bellville. Gilmer ended the half with a deep strike from Tennison to Ta’Erick Tate for a 69-yard touchdown, sending the Buckeyes into halftime with a 28-20 lead.

Defensive Standouts in the Second Half

The third quarter turned into a defensive showdown. Bellville narrowed the gap to 28-26 with an 8-yard touchdown run by Corrian Hood but failed to convert the subsequent two-point attempt.

In the fourth quarter, Gilmer slowed the pace, controlling possession and running the clock. Bellville’s defense held firm on a key 4th-down stop, but the Brahmas’ offense couldn’t capitalize. The Buckeyes chewed up over five minutes of game time on their next drive, with Henderson converting a critical 4th-and-8 to seal the win.

A Title to Remember

The victory secured Gilmer’s state championship in dramatic fashion, showcasing a balanced team effort. From Webb’s two takeaways to Henderson’s pivotal plays, the Buckeyes proved their resilience in a game where every moment mattered.