Staff Reports

APPALACHIAN – Gaylesville football coach Brian Knapp didn’t have to motivate the Trojans much in their Class 1A, Region 7 game at Appalachian on Friday.

After having to forfeit last week’s game against Ragland due to COVID-19 concerns, his message was a simple one.

“Our focus within our team is we’re not promised tomorrow,” Knapp said. “You have to appreciate and take every day as you go and prepare like it’s your last. I think it helped our kids get refocused this week.”

Apparently senior all-purpose player DJ Lee took that message to heart. Lee ran for 172 yards on 18 carries and scored six touchdowns. He also had a sack and an interception on defense to lead the Trojans to a 44-26 victory.

Lee’s touchdown runs came on carries of 2, 17, 61, 7, 14 and 10 yards. Jacob Gordon added 127 yards on 12 carries. He also had nine tackles an interception on defense, and Tyler Bentheimer added 40 yards on nine totes in the Trojan win.

Gaylesville (2-1, 1-0) hosts Coosa Christian on Friday.