The Gautier Gators narrowly defeated the Columbia Wildcats 42-41 on Friday night in Gautier in a thrilling rematch from last season’s 27-7 loss in Columbia.
The game started with Gautier quarterback Trey Irving connecting on a 60-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kanien Rush.
Columbia quickly responded with a 13-yard touchdown run, tying the score at 7-7.
Irving continued to shine, running in a 25-yard touchdown to put the Gators up 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Gautier’s momentum seemed unstoppable when Kasin Thomas added a 15-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 21-7. However, Columbia wasn’t ready to back down.
Quarterback Collin Haney orchestrated a quick scoring drive, resulting in a 7-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the deficit to 21-14.
Just before halftime, Haney rolled to his left and threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to running back Tra Lewis, tying the game at 21-21.
Coming out of the break, both defenses made adjustments, leading to a punt from each side.
Columbia broke the stalemate with Haney’s 1-yard rushing touchdown, taking a 28-21 lead. But Thomas responded for Gautier with a touchdown run, tying the game at 28.
In a dramatic fourth quarter, the Wildcats converted a fourth-and-goal with a speed sweep pass to Dillion Rowley, pushing ahead 35-28.
However, with just over three minutes left, Irving punched in another rushing touchdown, tying the game at 35-35.
The Gators capitalized on a forced fumble, leading to Irving’s 10-yard rushing touchdown, giving them a 42-35 advantage.
Columbia wasn’t finished yet. In a well-executed two-minute drill, Haney connected with Jshaun Patt for a 15-yard touchdown pass, bringing the Wildcats to within one point with just six seconds left.
Opting for a two-point conversion attempt and an opportunity to win the game, Columbia fell short as Gautier’s defense made the stop, sealing the victory for the Gators.
Irving finished the night with impressive stats: 15 completions on 23 attempts for 253 yards, one passing touchdown and three rushing touchdowns.
Rush was a standout receiver with five catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Gautier coach Marc High expressed pride in his team’s resilience.
“The defining moment was definitely that two-point conversion. Our defense made the stop when it mattered most,” he said.
Looking ahead to region play, High acknowledged the significance of the victory against Columbia.
“This experience prepares us for tough teams like Vancleave and East Central,” he said.
Gautier (4-1) will travel up the road to Vancleave next Friday to begin region play.
