Staff Reports

HUNTSVILLE – Gaylesville senior running back DJ Lee ran for 250 yards on 26 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also had five tackles and an interception on defense to lead the Trojans to a 28-21 comeback win at Class 2A Whitesburg Christian on Friday.

“He’s a workhorse who never lets up,” Gaylesville coach Brian Knapp said.

Whitesburg Christian (0-1) took the opening kickoff for a touchdown to go up 7-0, but the Trojans (1-0) responded with a 12-play drive which resulted in a Lee touchdown.

The Warriors countered with another big kickoff return past midfield and later scored to go up 14-6.

Gaylesville’s next score came courtesy of its defense. Keylon Higgins forced and recovered a fumble for a touchdown to make the score 14-12 with three minutes to go in the first half.
Higgins finished with three tackles, two assists, a sack, a tackle for loss, and the fumble recovery for a score. Brylie Mitchell managed four tackles, including two for lost yardage. Seth Lee also had an interception.

Lee scored twice in the second half, with his last score a 57-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

“We were fortunate enough to win the ball game,” Knapp said. “This is one of those games where we fought through some growing pains. We had some kids grow up tonight.”

Gaylesville hosts Ragland on Friday.