Gilmer has changed the November argument in 4A Division II

Carthage had won 38 consecutive games. Gilmer won the next one, 49–42, and did enough in the process to make a fellow put down his pencil and take another look at Class 4A Division II.

Aiden Thomas scored with 48 seconds left. Carthage returned the kickoff to the Gilmer 25, where the Bulldogs had four downs to undo the celebration. Four incomplete passes later, the Buckeyes could finally enjoy themselves.

Kipton Neighbors rushed for four touchdowns, including a 71-yard run in the third quarter. Gilmer’s offense kept answering against the team everybody has had to answer to. The Buckeyes earned that seven-point margin before their defense protected it.

Carthage is 7–1 and remains a state-title contender. Gilmer is 7–2 with a win that belongs near the front of any discussion about this division. Forty-nine points against Carthage are not decorative numbers.

Gilmer has Spring Hill next. Carthage faces Center. There is still district work on the calendar, and neither team can afford to treat it as paperwork. But the November conversation has changed. Gilmer saw to that.

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