The Gilmer Bobcats secured a 35-28 victory over the Adairsville Tigers in the opening round of the AAA GHSA football playoffs. Gilmer received the opening kickoff but failed to score, eventually punting the ball to Adairsville. Jamarian Pullum effortlessly scored a 4-yard rushing touchdown, though Adairsville missed the PAT.

On the subsequent kickoff, Gilmer executed a fantastic return, positioning themselves inside the 10-yard line. They scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown, 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 a short rushing touchdown early in the second quarter and adding a significant play—a 69-yard rushing touchdown—late in the second quarter, extending their lead to 21-6.

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. After receiving the second-half kickoff, Adairsville aimed to regain momentum, achieving an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Pullum, tying the score at 21.

Gilmer swiftly responded, scoring a 60-yard rushing touchdown, reclaiming a 28-21 lead midway through the third quarter. Despite a significant play conceded by Adairsville, their offense excelled, and Pullum scored an 18-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score once again.

In the early fourth quarter, Gilmer embarked on an immaculate 91-yard drive, consuming about eight minutes. They concluded this drive with a short rushing touchdown, seizing the lead with approximately 2:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. Following this drive, 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.