Pullum's four TDs not enough as the Tigers fall in the opening round of the 3A state playoffs
- Nov 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Adairsville and Gilmer traded heavyweight blows throughout the evening Friday night but it was the visiting Bobcats who escaped the Class 3A first-round battle with a 35-28 playoff win.
Jamarian Pullum scored all four touchdowns for Adairsville with runs of 4-, 5-, 8-, and 18-yards. He also added a two-point conversion run.
Gilmer received the opening kickoff but failed to score, eventually punting the ball to Adairsville. Pullum scored a 4-yard rushing touchdown, though Adairsville missed the PAT but held a 6-0 advantage.
On the subsequent kickoff, Gilmer executed a fantastic return, positioning themselves inside the 10-yard line. They scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Wyatt Stokes, seizing a 7-6 lead late in the first quarter.
Despite a strong initial possession, Adairsville struggled on their second attempt, resulting in a stalled drive. Meanwhile, Gilmer capitalized, scoring on an 8-yard run by Hunter Britain early in the second quarter. The Bobcats followed that score with a 69-yard rushing touchdown by Isaac Rellinger to build a 21-6 lead late in the second quarter, extending their lead to 21-6 with 9:15 remaining in the half.
Adairsville, in need of a touchdown, managed to score just before halftime. Pullum’s 5-yard rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion narrowed the score to 21-14 with less than a minute remaining before intermission.
After receiving the second-half kickoff, Adairsville aimed to regain momentum, achieving an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Pullum. The Tigers’ seven-play, 48-yard touchdown drive tied the score at 21-21.
Gilmer swiftly responded, scoring on a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Peyton Chancey with 6:21 left in the third quarter. The scoring sprint reclaimed a 28-21 lead for the Bobcats.
The Tigers answered with another Pullum touchdown run. His 18-yard rushing touchdown pulled Adairsville even at 28-all with 3:35 left in the third.
Early in the fourth quarter, Gilmer embarked on a time-consuming, 91-yard drive. The eight-minute march culminated with a 1-yard run by Douglas Callihan. The 14-play drive gave Gilmer a 35-28 advantage with just 2:35 remaining in the game.
Adairsville had one final opportunity to score and potentially win the game. Unfortunately, the Tigers made a crucial mistake, throwing an interception as Gilmer regained possession and ran out the clock to secure the victory.
Despite the playoff exit, Adairsville concluded a phenomenal season with an 8-3 record and a region championship.
GAME SCORING SUMMARY:
1st Qtr:
AHS - (6:11) - 9 plays, 50 yds...4 yd TD run by Jamarian Pullum, Souders PAT blocked (6-0)
GHS - (2:21) -- 7 plays, 58 yards...8 yd TD run by Wyatt Stokes (Noah Turner PAT good)...GHS 7-6
2nd Qtr: GHS (9:15) -- 9 plays, 57 yards...8-yd TD run by Hunter Britain [PAT good] 14-6 (57.6) -- 6 plays, 83 yards... 69-yard TD run by Isaac Rellinger [PAT good] 21-6
AHS: (25.9) -- 6 plays, 52 yards....5-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [Pullum 2pt Conv good] 21-14 GHS leads
3rd Qtr: AHS (6:39) -- 7 plays, 48 yards...8-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [PAT good] 21-21 GHS (6:21) -- 1 play, 60 yards....60-yard TD run by Peyton Chancey [PAT good] 28-21 AHS (3:35) -- 8 plays, 40 yards...18-yard TD run by Jamarian Pullum [PAT Good] 28-28
4th Qtr: Adairsville marched to the Bobcat 9-yard line before turning the ball over on downs after a missed pass from Braxton Elrod to Tre Winters.
GHS (2:35) -- 14 plays, 91 yards...1 yd TD run by Douglas Callihan [PAT Good] 35-28
~~ Kevin Pate / WBHF Sports and Larry Gardner contributed to this report.
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