Gallia Academy takes Portsmouth to the wire in an instant classic
By: Caleb McCleskey
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PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WOUB) — The week five conference matchup between the Gallia Academy Blue Devils and the Portsmouth Trojans was a constant battle, as the Blue Devils defeated the Trojans 36-34 with a last second field goal.
In the first quarter, Gallia Academy started off strong with a two-yard run touchdown by Hudson Shamblin. With the defensive effort by the Trojans, Gallia failed to get the extra point off of the kick.
Later on in the quarter, the Blue Devils fumbled the ball, and the Trojans landed on their two-yard line. Tyler Duncan drove to the endzone for the Trojan’s first touchdown of the night.
At the end of the quarter, the Trojans led the Blue Devils 7-6.
Tensions started rising between the two teams in the second quarter as personal fouls penalties were being called. Tyler Duncan threw a 14-yard pass to Beau Hammond for another touchdown. Gallia Academy and Brody Fellure fought back with an eight-yard run and two point conversion to tie the game 14-14 at the end of the first half.
The fight did not stop in the second half, Tyler Duncan threw a 33-yard pass to Nolan Heiland to up the Blue Devils 21-14 with 10:05 left in the third quarter.
The Blue Devil’s offense; however, did not crack under pressure, and Hudson Shamblin had a 3-yard run to make the game tied 21-21 at the end of the third quarter.
With the fourth quarter underway, Nolan Heiland capitalizes with a 64-yard run to give the Trojans the lead. Brody Fellure continued to fight back and had a 53-yard touchdown. The Blue Devils failed a two point conversion but still led the Trojans 33-28 with 3:32 left in the fourth quarter.
For the final Trojan offensive drive, Reade Pendleton received a one-yard pass from Tyler Duncan to lead the Blue Devils 34-33 with 54.6 seconds left in the game.
But with a win still in their sights, Caleb Stout saved the game for the Blue Devils with a 31-yard field goal to win the game.
Gallia’s win against the Trojans proves their dominance in the OVC and their dominance will be tested next against the Fairland Dragons.