Football Recap: Gilmer Falls Despite Big Games from Solomon Jackson and Zade Taylor

Gilmer was the 103-0 winner over Van when they last played one another back in October of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Buckeyes fell 48-38 to the Vandals on Friday. Despite running the score up even higher than they did in their prior game last Friday (36), the Buckeyes still had to take the loss.

Trace Haynes

Receiving Touchdowns

10/17/25 @ Van	2
09/19/25 vs Lindale	2
10/10/25 vs Pittsburg	1
08/29/25 @ Pine Tree	1

Zade Taylor and Solomon Jackson certainly did their best on Friday to avoid the loss. Taylor threw for 341 yards and five TDs, while Jackson picked up 209 receiving yards and three scores. Trace Haynes was in the mix too, providing Gilmer with two touchdowns.

Even if they lost, Gilmer's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. Trey Lee was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two himself.

Gilmer's loss dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Van, the victory was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 5-2.

We've got plenty of inter-district action coming up soon. Gilmer will square off against rival Pleasant Grove at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Van is set to challenge their familiar foe Pittsburg at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.