Staff Reports

The North Jefferson News



Gardendale put on a good showing at Pelham Friday night, but three turnovers helped contribute to a 21-7 loss.

WIth more than 11 minutes left in the first quarter, Pelham got on the board early with a 59-yard touchdown pass and a successful point-after. They would end the first quarter with a field goal to make it 10-0 going into the second quarter.

They would again score early in the second with a 30-yard field goal. However, Gardendale would follow that with an unprecedented 23-play drive that would end without a score.

The Rockets would finally get on the board in the third quarter with a 7-yard run from Trey Hilliard, followed by a successful point-after from Adam Anderson.

However, Pelham would have the last word with a 38-yard touchdown run with 6:51 left in the fourth quarter. A successful 2-point conversion would leave the score at 21-7.

On the night, the Rockets bested Pelham in first downs , 18 to 11 and in rushing yards, 236 to 171.

Hilliard led the ground game, as he picked up 187 yards on 26 carries.

However, the Rockets had two turnovers in the way of an interception and two fumbles. Pelham allowed no turnovers on the night.

Justin Houchins and Tyrone Bowie led the defense with 12 and nine tackles, respectively. Houchins also had a sack to his credit.

The loss takes Gardendale’s record to 3-4 on the season and eliminates them from playoff contention.

The Rockets will battle Spain Park next week.