By james art In a 4A Region 4 game last Saturday, the Gilbert football team defeated the Airport Eagles on the road 31-18 behind a strong performance by Indians running back Jaylen Jay.
Jay’s three touchdowns helped Gilbert overcome an early deficit and earn a road victory in a regional game.
“It wasn’t our best game, but it’s our third game in nine or 10 days,” head coach Ozzie Exume said. “It’s tough. Our guys are tired and beat up.”
Gilbert and the airport had to play on an unusual schedule. Due to the effects of Hurricane Helena, teams in their region had to play twice a week to ensure all games were played before the end of the season.
On the first play of the game from scrimmage, the Indians recovered on an Airport fumble. Despite getting quality field position, Gilbert was unable to pick up points off the turnover after an incomplete pass on fourth down by quarterback Cooper James.
Airport’s second drive ended in points after converting a couple of third downs. After a successful field goal, the Eagles took a 3-0 lead. However, the Indians responded with a rushing touchdown that ended with a three-yard touchdown run by Jay.
The Eagles’ third down was aided by a pair of facemask penalties by the Gilbert defense. Airport took a 10-7 advantage after rushing for a 16-yard touchdown.
“We had to focus,” Exume said. “That was my biggest fear and worry going into this game. Three days of training after a long stretch of four games in 15 days.”
The two teams continued to play back and forth at the end of the first half. On fourth down in airport territory, James threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to give the Indians a 14-10 lead.
In the third quarter, Gilbert kept the offensive momentum going as James connected with wide receiver Connor Gooding for a 45-yard touchdown reception. Jay capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, making it 21-10 Gilbert.
“I told them in a good way at halftime that they needed to focus and settle down,” Exume said. “We did, and we were better for it.”
The Indians defense took advantage of Airport offense mistakes in the second half. On the Eagles’ second drive of the third quarter, Gilbert recovered a fumble on a field goal. After the turnover, Gilbert extended the lead to 14 when he converted a field goal.
Trailing in the fourth quarter, the Eagles were sacked on third down. Looking for a spark, Airport attempted a fake punt on fourth down, but was stopped by Gilbert’s special teams. Gilbert took a commanding 31-10 lead after Jay found the end zone for a four-yard touchdown, his third of the contest.
Late in the game, Airport special teams made a big play when they returned a punt for a touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion, Airport made it 31-18. Airport’s punt attempt failed, however, and the Indians picked up the win.
Both teams will be back in action this week against other Lexington County schools. Gilbert (4-4, 3-2 Region 4) will face Gray Collegiate (6-2, 5-0 Region 4) at home this Friday. Airport (1-7, 1-4 Region 4) also plays at home this Friday when it hosts Brookland-Cayce (2-7, 2-4 Region 4).
“Our whole goal this whole week leading up to this game was to come out of it healthy,” Exume said. “We did it well, so it’s good.”