Sports
Gallia Academy Scores 41 Unanswered In Win
By: Nathan Wiseman
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Gallia Academy overcame early defensive struggles to score 41 unanswered points in a 48-19 win over Vinton County Friday, earning first-year coach Wade Bartholomew his first victory on the road as a Blue Devil.
The Vinton County student section had a reason to get rowdy early in the first quarter when quarterback Andy Long found Devlin Hall on a deep route for a 68-yard touchdown reception. On the ensuing kickoff, Logan Allison fumbled the football, handing the Vikings the ball on the Gallia Academy 20-yard line.
Two plays later, Tim Ousley capitalized on Allison’s turnover, sprinting 11 yards into the end zone to give the Vikings an early 13-0 lead over the visiting Blue Devils with 7:37 remaining in the first quarter.
Reigning Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Wade Jarrell took over the game on the following drive.
Jarrell connected with his brother Wes Jarrell and senior receiver Reid Eastman to start the possession. On the next play, Jarrell again found Eastman for a 25-yard touchdown, making the score 13-7.
The Blue Devils continued their offensive success on the next drive when Jarrell found Allison, a senior receiver, for a 45-yard touchdown. The score gave Gallia Academy its first lead at 14-13.
The Vinton County defense had no answer for the Jarrell and Allison duo. The Blue Devils lit up the scoreboard in the first half and led the Vikings, 34-13 at halftime.
Jarrell connected with Allison five times for four touchdowns in the first half and did not stop there.
In the third quarter, Jarrell continued to showcase his quarterback abilities, finding Eastman for a 25-yard touchdown and getting a score for himself on a five-yard run. Despite a promising first quarter of play, Gallia Academy’s high-powered offense and sound defense proved to be too much for the Vikings.
Jarrell completed 13 out of 20 passes and threw for 320 yards and six touchdowns.
Allison led the Blue Devils in receiving seven receptions for 225 yards and four touchdowns.
Gallia Academy (4-1) will hit the road once again Friday, Oct. 4, for a non-conference matchup against Belfry. Vinton County (3-2) will travel to Alexander High School to face the Spartans.