On Friday, October 4th, the Gordo Green Wave overcame the 3A Oakman Wildcats at home on homecoming night, despite the Wildcats' fourth-quarter rally.

Oakman began the game by controlling the run game, with Wildcats Junior Runningback Tyler Thomas breaking off a 32-yard sprint for the opening score of the game. Following a successful PAT, the Wildcats led 7-0 with 8:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Gordo responded with the Green Wave's following play, a 63-yard quarterback draw in which Gordo's Senior quarterback Jace Neel tied the score at 7 with a successful PAT.

After a successful onside kick attempt by Gordo, the Green Wave went on to score 13 unanswered points behind the arms and legs of senior quarterback Jace Neel, who had one touchdown on the ground and one via the air before the end of the first quarter, where Gordo led 20-7.

The Wildcats made a comeback in the second quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points behind the legs of junior runningback Tyler Thomas, who carried for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Oakman's offensive line was perplexing the Greenwave's defensive front with numerous formations and motions before the snap, and thanks to Thomas' excellent first half on the ground, the Wildcats led 21-20 with 6:07 remaining in the half.

Gordo made one last effort before the half, getting the Green Wave down inside the Wildcats' 10-yard line, but the next play was moved back to the 24-yard line after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, forcing Gordo to settle for a field goal that the Green Wave failed to kick before the second half expired.

The second half was all Gordo, with the Green Wave's offense controlling the tempo and eventually chewing up over 11 minutes of play clock with only three possessions. Gordo scored on two of those three drives, both of which were incredible rushing touchdowns by Jace Neel, who scored all of Gordo's five touchdowns in Friday night's victory over region foes the Wildcats.

With 11:34 left in the fourth quarter, Oakman trailed 32-21 before junior runningback Tyler Thomas ran free for a 71-yard touchdown, bringing the Wildcats within 5 points following Oakman's failed 2-point conversion.

The next play, Oakman quieted the Gordo crowd with a successful onside kick attempt by the Wildcats, giving them a chance to grab the lead with more than 11 minutes remaining in the game.

Oakman went on to get inside Gordo's 25-yard line after a late hit on the Wildcats' quarterback gained them 15 yards and a free first down. Gordo's defense stayed resilient and forced a turnover on downs after the Wildcats' quarterback was sacked on fourth down.

Gordo went on to run out the clock and forced Oakman to use all of their timeouts to secure a win in the game with the final score being 32-27.

Player of the Game

Jace Neel had a terrific night tonight, with Gordo's senior quarterback responsible for all five of the Green Waves' touchdowns in Friday night's showdown against the Wildcats. Neel also gained more than 150 yards rushing and over 100 yards passing. Neel was undoubtedly a key reason for Gordo's victory.

Gordo improves to 6-1 on the season and 3-1 in region play, with their lone loss coming at the hands of the Winfield Pirates, who currently lead 3A Region 5 with an unbeaten record in region play.

Oakman falls to 4-2 on the season and 3-1 in region play, with the Wildcats losing their first region game of the season Friday night against the Greenwave.

Next Friday, October 11th, the Gordo Green Wave will travel to Vinemont, Alabama to face the Vinemont Eagles (6-1) in a 3A Region 5 showdown.

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