By Justin Holbrook
GILBERT — The Gilbert Lions blew the Westside Renegades off of the field one year ago. This season the Renegades played the Lions much closer, but Gilbert would overcome three turnovers to pick up the 36-12 victory.
“Westside is a much better football team than they were last season,” said Gilbert coach Gordon Carter. “They definitely are doing things right. They were a good football team.”
It would only take the Lions three plays to crack the scoreboard. Quarterback Quinn Miller would run an option and break the corner and scramble for 71 yards to put the Lions ahead 8-0.
“Quinn Miller is one of the best athletes in Southern West Virginia,” said Renegade head coach Darren Thomas.
“They have so many good athletes over there, and when you try to focus on Miller, then Brandon Hatfield will break one off tackle on you.”
Nick Lambert scored on a two-yard run and led the Renegades in rushing with 33 yards on seven attempts. Matt Lambert finished with 31 yards and had an 80-yard kickoff return for a score. Westside was held to 97 total yards and 82 rushing yards. Quarterback Eric Bailey completed only 2-of-12 attempts for 15 yards.
Gilbert 36, Westside 12
Westside (1-1) 6 0 6 0 — 12
Gilbert (2-0) 8 14 8 6 — 36
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Gilbert — Quinn Miller 71 yard run
(Miller run)
Westside — Matt Lambert 80 yard KR
(pass failed)
2nd Quarter
Gilbert — Brandon Hatfield 3 yard run
(run failed)
Gilbert — Quinn Miller 5 yard run
(Miller pass to Birchfield)
3rd Quarter
Westside — Nick Lambert 2 yard run
(pass failed)
Gilbert — Blake Burgess fumble recovery in end zone
(Miller run)
4th Quarter
Gilbert — Brandon Hatfield 21 yard run
(run failed)
