There’s plenty to talk about when it concerns Pike Road football this season.
The Patriots have a talented defense that’s only allowed 75 points through seven games, pitching two shutouts in the process.
Or maybe the talks are centered around the various playmakers Pike Road features on the offense like Jordan Holmes, Ja’Michael Jones or Omari Smith.
All deserving of the hype being thrown their way, but what about the player taking snaps for Pike Road? Lost in the mix has been the contributions that sophomore quarterback Gunner Gibbs is quietly making. Usually, the quarterback is right at the center of everything, hogging all the spotlight. That doesn’t mean Gibbs isn’t adding any value to a great Pike Road football team, he still considers himself the leader despite his age.
“This isn’t new to me, I did this last year with these guys,” Gibbs said. “The only difference this year is that I’ve learned a few things about myself as a leader.”
Gibbs went 10-for-14 passing with 205 yards and four touchdowns in Pike Road’s (5-2, 3-0) 54-7 dismantling 54-7 of Park Crossing (0-5, 0-3) on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the Cramton Bowl. Gibbs connected with four different Patriot receivers for his scores. On the season, Gibbs has thrown for 1,031 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Gibbs’ best throw of the evening came before the end of the first half when he let it fly 31 yards to the back of the end zone, connecting with receiver Elias Holtzclaw for an over the shoulder catch and touchdow
“I like to let myself get in rhythm with the screen throws, and once I’m feeling it, I like to let it fly,” Gibbs said.
Despite the score being lopsided on the scoreboard, it is games like these Pike Road coach Granger Shook wants his team to enjoy, understanding that his teams work too hard not to. At the forefront of the continued growth of Pike Road’s offense is the improved confidence of Gibbs.
“Gibbs played a fantastic game and he really means a lot to this team. I consider him one of the playmakers,” Shook said. “He’s a young player but you wouldn’t be able to tell with how much preparation he puts in every week.”
Coincidentally, Thursday was Gibbs’ birthday and he was going to do what his coach said: Enjoy the win, maybe with some cake.
READ ARTICLE (Source: Montgomery Advertiser)
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