No. 10 Gardendale stumbles in non-region action at Chelsea.

The Rockets (4-2) surrendered a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns, falling 38-21 on the road for their second consecutive loss.

Hornets’ quarterback Matt Marquet found the end zone three times in the win. The senior ran in from 10 yards out for the first score of the game before tossing his first touchdown from 23 yards out for a 24-14 advantage with 4:08 remaining in the third quarter. He started the fourth frame with a 17-yard scamper that put Chelsea (5-1) ahead 31-21.

Gardendale did out gain their hosts with 430 total offensive yards to Chelsea’s 425. Running back Demetrius King ran with it 20 times for 145 yards and a touchdown. Conner Howell caught 13 passes for 210 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown from Michael Crowder.

For the Hornets, it was a devastating rushing attack that made the difference. Senior Zalon Reynolds took 27 carries for 164 yards, while Marquet tucked it up 19 times for another 173 yards. Chelsea went for 348 yards on the ground.

Gardendale now looks to host Class 6A, Region 6 foe Clay-Chalkville next Friday.