Staff Reports

GAYLESVILLE – The Gaylesville Trojans were seeking their first 3-0 start to a football season since 1994 when they hosted Class 1A, Region 8 rival Valley Head on Friday night.

Things were looking good early on for the Trojans to reach that rare start, but Valley Head rallied for a 55-38 victory.

Aydn Heinrich led the Trojans (2-1, 0-1) with 227 yards on 19 carries with two touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass and posted nine tackles on defense.

Jack Sentell – who left the game in the second quarter with a dislocated shoulder – also had two scores on the ground and finished with 66 yards on nine totes.

Bryson Thompson completed 3-of-7 pass attempts for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Jared Butts and Drake Brown both finished with five tackles on defense. Lucas McCullough and Cole Hendon had four stops apiece.

Gaylesville built a 22-14 halftime advantage and led 30-27 with just under three minutes remaining in the third quarter before the Tigers pulled away for the win.

The Trojans travel to Appalachian next Friday. Valley Head (2-1, 1-0) hosts Ider.