Posted 6:02 pm Sunday, December 13, 2009
Buckeyes On Top Of The World Again
By SHANE STARK
Staff Writer
DALLAS -- For the second time in six years, the Gilmer football team is a state champ.
Staff Writer
DALLAS -- For the second time in six years, the Gilmer football team is a state champ.
On Saturday night, the Buckeyes beat Abilene Wylie 43-26 to capture the Class 3A Division I title at SMU's Ford Stadium.
Gilmer spent the entire season atop the state rankings and finished there on the field, amassing a flawless 15-0 record.
The title comes in the Buckeyes' third appearance in a state championship game since 1994, when they went 16-0 and claimed the 3A Division II crown.
Gilmer finished as the 3A Division I runner-up in 2007 after losing to Liberty Hill.
"I'm just happy for my kids and our coaches," said Buckeyes 10th-year head coach Jeff Traylor. "It's been a fun 10 years."
Gilmer senior quarterback Darian Godfrey completed his high school career in style, connecting on 21 of 29 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, plus running for 149 yards and two scores. He threw two touchdowns in the first half to help the Buckeyes take a commanding 24-7 lead into the break.
"I can't tell you what I feel like," Godfrey said. "I feel like it's unbelievable. It's a blessing."
Following the postgame presentation, Godfrey exchanged a hug and presented Buckeyes fan Deidre Camp with the trophy. Camp is the widow of former Gilmer broadcaster Matt Camp, who passed away in September from cancer at 38.
