Pick six secures shutout for Cullman 8th grade squad:
GDW Analysis:
Middle school football went on as scheduled Monday for Cullman, even though an incident was dealt with by school officials earlier in the day.
An alleged threat was made via social media to Cullman High School. The school operated under "heightened awareness" as extra Cullman Police officers patrolled the campus as things were calm following the incident that was notified to the CPD before lunch.
Cullman Middle School welcomed Decatur to Mark Britton Field/Oliver Woodard Stadium. The 7th grade took to the field around 5:30 as Decatur came from behind to win 22 to 8.
A different story in the 8th grade battle. Cullman collected four TDs on 280 yards of offense in the first half. A 32 to 0 lead would be saved in shutout mode as defensive back Kipton Grobe raced 95 yards with an interception for an exciting pick six and a 38 to 0 final.
Gerald Turner's Bearcats were smooth against the Red Raiders.
Three scoring drives in the first quarter were for 70, 61 and 60 yards as they were on top in comfortable fashion, 24 to 0.
QB Wendell Shannon got together with Nelson Hollingsworth for the first score covering 55 yards. The two point play gave the 'Cats an 8 to 0 lead, 44 seconds into the contest.
Shannon finished the second TD series by a 20 yard run and a two point conversion from Jon Short pushed the lead to 16 to 0.
The Bearcats forced a Decatur punt and had possession from the Cullman 40. Two major distance penalties sent the ball back to the Cullman 20.
On 3rd and 30, Shannon had James Short open for the first down at midfield. Short then sprinted the rest of the way for the score. Cullman connected on a 2 point pass play and led the Red Raiders 24 to 0 after the first stanza.
One possession was what Cullman in the 2nd period. It would lead to a fourth score of 10 plays, 66 yards and over 4:00 of time.
Jonathan Witcher finished the drive with a sneak up the middle from the one.
The 'Cats left the field with four TDs on four possessions, 7 first downs and held Decatur to 31 yards total offense.
Cullman's offense never had the football until the final play of the 2nd half.
Decatur compiled 45 yards of offense in the third, but got help with three penalties for the Bearcats totaling 3 first downs and 25 yards.
The drive carried into the final period. Decatur lost a yard on a first down run and then tried a pass to the left side of the field where Grobe timed the route perfectly, stepped in front of the receiver and rambled 95 yards in the longest pick six ever covered by Gameday Weekly.
His score came with 6:57 remaining and Cullman held a 38 to 0 advantage.
The Red Raiders would again take the ball downfield against the 'Cats. However, two bad snaps on shotgun formation plays lost the Raiders 31 yards. They punted and Cullman had it at the 25.
Cullman went into victory formation with Hollingsworth going down for minus five yards as the game ended.
Cullman is 2 & 0 on the young season.
Up next for the Bearcats will be arch rival Hartselle coming to Britton Field/Woodard Stadium September 19. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m.
Seventh grade game:
Cullman led 8 to 0 when a good drive ended on a 10 yard run by John Mark Stephens with 4:42 to go in the 2nd quarter.
Decatur tied it on a 70 yard run by the Red Raiders' tailback and a two point conversion for an 8 to 8 at the half.
A 50 yard run by another Red Raider gave them the lead in the 3rd. The score came with 4:53 remaining and it was 14 to 8 for the visitors.
Decatur stopped a Cullman drive by intercepting a pass in the end zone. They would add an insurance score and hand the 7th grade their 2nd loss of the season in two games.
Cullman plays host to Hartselle on September 19 at 5:00 p.m.
Photo of Cullman Middle School football coach Gerald Turner watching his 7th grader play Decatur Monday at Britton Field/OIiver Woodard Stadium.
GDW photo by Johnny Thornton.
