Atlanta Middle School football teams battle Gladewater

Last week Atlanta Middle School’s football program had a slate of games against the Gladewater Bears.

7A

In the seventh grade A game, the Rabbs suffered a tough loss to Gladewater. Kaigen Loyd scored a 27-yard touchdown for the Rabbs and Jaylen Finley added the 2-point run.

7B

In the seventh grade B game, Tre Green, Eddie Smith, and Jacolby Wells had some good runs. On defense Aaron Slaten, Parker Braley, AJ Falls and Aiden Eason played well.

8A

In the eighth grade A game, the Rabbs remain undefeated in district play with a big win over the Bears, but Gladewater wouldn’t go away easy. In the first quarter and on the game’s first play Jayden Riley hands the ball off to Marshawn Woodberry who takes it 55 yards for the score. Riley added the 2-point play which made the score 8-0.

Gladewater answered on its first drive with a ball-control offense which limited the Rabbs’ possessions all night. After the 2-point play the score was tied 8-8.

The Rabbs turned the ball over on its next drive, but as Gladewater drives down into the red zone the Rabbs’ defense stood tall.

In the second quarter, the Rabbs took over deep in their own territory. On fourth-down-and-5 the Rabbs elect to go for it. On the snap Riley takes the ball and slashes through the defense for an 81-yard score. Riley completed the 2-point pass to Eli Mitchell to make the score 16-8.

In the third quarter, Toddy Webster recovers an onside kick for Atlanta to start the half. Facing a third-and-long later in the drive, Riley finds Evan Mitchell on a slant route for a big gain.

A pass interference call later would set the Rabbs up at the 11. Riley hit Eli Mitchell wide open and he walks into the endzone untouched. The point after was no good but Atlanta was up 22-8.

Gladewater answered on its next drive to make it 22-16 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Riley ran 35 yards for a score on a QB keeper to extend the lead.

The 2-point pass was complete to Mitchell and Atlanta had breathing room at 30-16.

Gladewater answered again and pulled within 30- 24.

Atlanta answered on its next drive, this time a 39- yard jaunt by Riley. Mitchell added the 2-point play and the Rabbs were up by two scores at 36-22.

The Bears made it interesting with a late score but the Rabbs held on for a 36-28 victory.

The win moved the Rabbs eighth grade A team to 3-0 in district play. They will travel to Tatum to take on the Eagles this Thursday.

8B

In the eighth grade B game, Tylton Surratt threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Kason Linwood and Omeria Kinney scored from 35 yards out. Rem Clayton stood out on defense.