Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Devils Advance With Last Minute 27-26 Win (cont)

drive began.

A pitch to Hatley was bobbled, and two yards were lost on first down. Hopson gained a yard on second, leaving Gurdon with a third and 11 situation.

Allen found Griffin in the flat, but a Bison had gotten their a bit early, drawing a flag.

The interference call gave Gurdon a first down at its own 41.

Hopson managed to get to the 47, and a screen to Cox added two more. Hatley bulled to the Carlisle 49, earning a vital first down for the Devils.

With 2:52 showing, it was the beginning of the end for the Bison as the Devils had their grills fired up for buffalo burgers.

Hatley added two on first down, moving to the 47. Allen found Beasley near the left sideline, with Beasley running to the seven before being brought down.

There was 1:41 left in the game. Hopson took Gurdon five yards closer, before Allen kept on a quarterback sneak for the score.

A two-point conversion would have given Gurdon a three point lead and some much needed breathing room. However, the Devils were unable to convert the attempt, and had a slim 27-26 lead with 0:45 showing.

Carlisle's offense took over at the Bison 33.

On first down, the Bison tried a double reverse, ending with Kelly throwing a long pass which was almost intercepted by Allen.

A pass on second down also fell incomplete and Almond was sacked on third and 10.

On fourth down, Carlisle went back to its ground game, with Almond gaining enough for a first down at the 46 with seven seconds left.

Gurdon's fans hearts were in their throats, which were raw from screaming for the entire contest.

Almond took the snap, dropped back and was met by a gaggle of Devils. He wasn't sacked though, but had the ball stripped.

With two seconds left, a Gurdon player fell on the ball at the Carlisle 42.

Allen ended the game by taking a knee, and insured the Devils at least one more game in the playoffs.

Unofficial stats show Allen to be nine of 13 in passing for 154 yards and a touchdown. Carlisle was 0-2 through the air.

Gurdon punted once for 40 yards, while Carlisle booted the ball twice for a total of 42 yards.

There were few penalties called in the muddy affair. Gurdon was flagged three times for 10 yards, while the Bison saw hankies fall five times for 45 yards.

Gurdon put the ball on the ground three times, losing it twice. Carlisle fumbled twice, losing both.

The game was evenly played as Gurdon had 12 yards, while the Bison had 14.

Each team sacked the opposing quarterback once.

Gurdon's ground game gained 188 yards, but the potent Bison attack rushed for 356.

Carlisle led in total yardage 356-342, with both teams having 52 offensive plays.

Hatley led Gurdon's ground attack with nine carries for 116 yards. Allen carried five times for 15 yards, while Hopson ran the ball 12 times for 63 yards.

Adrian Meeks carried once for two yards, with Cox losing eight yards on two carries.

In other AA playoff games Clarendon whipped Hartford 34-0 and Charleston blanked Marked Tree 41-0.

Arkansas Baptist edged Harmony Grove 27-18 and Shiloh Christian ended Murfreesboro's season 48-7.

Junction City was eliminated by Harding Academy 20-14, with Bauxite skunking Barton 14-0. Hector pummeled Elaine 48-0.

Gurdon will again be at home in the quarterfinal game, hosting the Harding Academy Wildcats. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.