Pirates win battle of league unbeatens

HIGHLAND --Friday's 3-4A battle of league unbeatens Gosnell Pirates and Highland Rebels featured one offense that was averaging over 40 points a game in the conference (Gosnell) and another that was scoring over 50 (Highland).

With nine minutes to play in the fourth quarter, only 12 points had been scored as the two teams were locked in a defensive 6-6 tie. Gosnell's Tiberius Real scored two fourth quarter touchdowns as the Pirates knocked off the Rebels, 20-12, to remain in a first place tie in the 3-4A with undefeated Pocahontas.

"It turned out to be a defensive battle," said Pirate head coach Gary Moody. "It was a tough physical game. We made big plays on defense. They made plays. We hit. They hit. It was just two good teams going at it."

One of those big defensive plays Moody was referring to happened with just over two minutes left to play in the game.

With the Pirates (6-0-1, 4-0 3-4A) nursing an eight- point lead, Highland began a drive at the Gosnell 40 yard line. After losing a yard on the first two plays, the Rebels (4-3, 3-1 3-4A) were faced with a third and 11 from their own 39. Linebacker Carlos Blackman picked off Reid Magg's throw giving the Pirates the ball back near midfield. Blackman then picked up a first down on a 10-yard gain effectively ending the game with the Rebels being unable to stop the clock. It was the second interception of the game for Blackman and the third turnover of the game for the Pirate defense.

"Carlos hasn't played linebacker in over a month," said Moody. "I thought he did a tremendous job along with the rest of our defense. For us to hold them to two scores with all of the weapons they have is incredible. It was a tremendous effort from our defense. Our secondary played well. For the most part we held (Deon) Stewart in check. We tackled him well. I thought Jordan Canty did a great job on him all night."

Stewart, who will play for the Arkansas Razorbacks next year, came into the game averaging over 100 yards receiving per game and had scored eight touchdowns. He was held to 66 yards on six receptions and did not see the end zone. The Pirates kicked to him one time and he was brought down before the 20 yard line.

Highland's other Div. I recruit, Avery Johnson, picked up the slack for Stewart. The future Arkansas St. Red Wolf rushed for a 118 yards and a touchdown.

Magg got the Rebels on the scoreboard first after a scoreless first quarter with a 17-yard touchdown with 7:45 left in the second quarter. The missed two-point try kept the score at 6-0. Blackman (134 yards and a touchdown) tied the score with a four-yard run from scrimmage with 2:37 left in the half but missed the extra point try. Before halftime, the Rebels drove to the ball inside the Pirate 10 yard line but on second and goal, Blackman collected his first INT in the end zone turning the ball over to the Pirates with 14 seconds left. Real picked up 35 yards on the drive but was ruled in bounds on the play leaving no time for the Pirates to get a play off before halftime.

Real (131 yards and two touchdowns) would not be denied in the second half scoring on runs of six yards and 14 yards in the fourth quarter.

In between Real's scores, Johnson ran off a 45-yard touchdown to keep Rebels within striking distance of the surging Pirates.

Both of Real's touchdowns were set up on key third down conversions. On the first scoring drive, Dwight Griffin connected with T.J. Anderson for 23 yards on a third and 15 play. On the second drive, Griffin hit Anderson again, this time on a third and seven from near midfield. They were the only to receptions the Pirates completed all night.

"When we had to move the ball, our offense really came through," said Moody. "Not only did T.J. make an incredible catch on the first one, Dwight put it in the only place he could. That's why Dwight is our leader. He knew all we had to do was just connect and move the chains."

The Pirate defense stopped both of Highland's two-point tries and held them scoreless on three trips inside the red zone -- twice in the third quarter.

The first trip, on fourth and 27, Magg's throw to the end zone bounced off of Stewart's hands and into Johnson for an apparent touchdown but was called back on a Rebel holding penalty forcing Highland to punt.

The second came with just over a minute to play in the third. On fourth and two from the Pirate 12, Magg tried to find Stewart in the end zone but the pass was broken up.

The win marks the first time the Pirates have won in Highland since 2009 and the second consecutive year that the game has come down to the closing moments.

"Our effort was tremendous. The focus and the work we put into going into this game was a good as you could ever want as a coach. It was like a playoff game. Our guys won this game tonight on their effort and determination."

Things don't get any easier for the first place Pirates as they get ready for a trip to Pocahontas and showdown with the 7-0 Redskins.

"We're going to have to enjoy this one tonight but know that we have to come to work Monday and get ready to play another undefeated team," said Moody. "Our focus is going to have to be the same next week."

afitzpatrick@blythevillecourier.com on Twitter @CN_AaronF