Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cats Declawed, Saints Next (cont)

s." This was evidenced by receivers and running backs slipping when trying to make cuts. "The slant (Gurdon's first score) was easy and open. They were playing the run."

Pace didn't expect his charges to win by the final margin they won by because of the conditions, but was more than happy with the ending score.

"Our defense played outstanding ball," he said of the wrecking crew."

Unofficial statistics show the 'Cats passing the ball more than Gurdon. Rison's quarterback unleashed the ball nine times, completing five for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Toland was three of seven for 61 yards with a score and two interceptions.

Then comes an amazing stat -- Gurdon was flagged only twice for 10 yards. Rison, on the other hand, saw flags land six times for 42 yards in loss.

Gurdon also only punted three times for a total of 87 yards. The 'Cats booted the ball six times for a gross total of 176 yards and a net of 148 after a 28-yard return.

The 'Cats had problems hanging onto the ball as they fumbled seven times, losing three. Gurdon put the ball on the ground once, losing it.

While Rison kept the ball longer, Gurdon did more with it, amassing 12 first downs, while allowing eight.

The wrecking crew defense was stingy on the ground given as it has been all season. Rison could only manage 79 rushing yards, while the potent Gurdon offense racked up 201 yards on the ground.

Along with forcing the seven fumbles, Gurdon's wrecking crew introduced itself to the Rison signalcaller twice for six yards in loss.

Gurdon's leading ground gainer was Charles with 54 yards on 10 carries. Hughes toted the ball 11 times for 53 yards. Both men scored.

Toland carried once for 14 yards and a score, while Cornish ran six times for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Williams only carried twice, but gained 37 yards and added a touchdown to his stats.

Myram Mitchell had a carry for three yards, while Rashun Hopson carried twice for no gain.

This win puts Gurdon in round two of the class A playoffs with the Devils playing host to the Shiloh Christian Academy Saints Friday night at Gus Brown field.