TRUMANN -- The Gosnell Pirates shook off a slow start against the host Trumann Wildcats, Friday night, to stay undefeated on the season with a 46-12 win.
Gosnell (5-0, 3-0 3-4A) led just 16-12 at halftime and was held scoreless in the first quarter for the first time this season.
However, the Pirates dominated the Wildcats in the second half on both sides of the ball, outscoring them 30-0 over the final two quarters.
Carlos Blackman had another big night for the Pirates, carrying 23 times for 258 yards and four touchdowns. He had touchdown runs of 59, 29, 2, and 35 yards. Blackman also had three two-point conversions.
Jordan Canty's 67-yard pick-6 put the finishing touches on the Wildcats with just over nine minutes to play.
The start was uncharacteristic for the Pirates.
It took more than 15 minutes for the first score of the game.
On their first two possessions of the game, the Pirates turned it over on downs at the Trumann 29 and the Trumann 30. The Gosnell defense also got a fourth down stop on the GHS 41 with 3:38 left in the opening quarter.
Blackman broke the ice with a 59-yard scamper for a touchdown at the 8:54 mark of the second quarter. Blackman also ran in the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.
Trumann answered with a Conner Haag 1-yard quarterback sneak at the 6:47 mark. Cade Gartman set up the score with a 54-yard run on third down. Gosnell denied the two-point conversion, picking off the pass attempt and keeping it 8-6.
After Gosnell converted a fourth-and-7 with a Tabari Herron to Thomas Pugh connection, Blackman raced for a 29-yard TD. Brian Anderson ran in the two-point conversion for a 16-6 advantage with 3:33 left in the half.
Haag had another answer.
This time he connected with Garrett Woods for a two-yard touchdown with five seconds left in the half. Gosnell denied the two-point conversion to keep it 16-12.
Gosnell quickly grabbed the momentum in the second half by pouncing on a fumble on the kickoff.
Blackman cashed in with a two-yard touchdown with 9:51 left in the third quarter. Blackman also ran in the two-point conversion for a 24-12 lead.
After forcing a Trumann punt, the Pirates added to their advantage.
Set up by a 37-yard Blackman run, Anderson bulled in from two yards out with 4:50 left in the third. Herron hit Blackman on the two-point conversion to make it, 32-12.
Trumann drove down the field on the ensuing possession, but Gosnell forced another turnover deep in GHS territory.
Mike Gates recovered a fumble at the Gosnell 17 with 1:27 left in the third quarter to give it back to the Pirates.
Blackman found the end zone one more time on a 35-yard run with seven seconds left in the third quarter, making it 38-12.
Later, Canty picked off Haag and returned it 67 yards to paydirt with 9:12 left in the game.
Herron ran in the two-point conversion for a 46-12 lead.
Gosnell finished with 447 total yards, including 436 on the ground. Trumann totaled 210.
Gosnell will host Highland Friday night on Homecoming.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.