TIGERS POUNCE BACK; Gordonsville responds to back-to-back losses with impressive road win at 2A contender Forrest

By Shea Haile

Courier Sports 

CHAPEL HILL — The Gordonsville High Tigers football team played the role of Homecoming spoiler and got back on track with a 36-19 victory over the Forrest Rockets last Friday night in Chapel Hill.

Big Blue ended a two game skid as they faced their first road test in four weeks against the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s eighth ranked Class 2A squad in Forrest. The Tigers improved to 5-2 with victory while the Rockets dropped to 5-2. 

“I thought our kids came out and played hard,” said Gordonsville High head football coach Stephen Jackson. “Our kids responded the right away after adversity last week. They came in and had some great practices Monday through Thursday. They put time in – in the film room and put time in on the practice field. They knew the game plan offensively and defensively in order to make plays. Anytime you can win the turnover battle, you have a great shot at winning the football game.”

Gordonsville entered halftime with a slim 14-13 advantage but took full control in the second half — outscoring the hosting Rockets 22-6.

The Big Blue defense wrecked havoc and forced four second half turnovers (three interceptions and a fumble recovery). The unit also posted two key first half stops including a fourth-and-goal stand at the one yard line and another redzone Forrest threat at the Big Blue 12 yard line. 

“We bend but do not break,” said Jackson about the Big Blue defense. “Good offenses — and they are a great offense — they are going to make plays. I felt like our defense did a great job of making plays when they needed to. It was different people to, not just one player — but different people.”

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