GAYLORD — The Gaylord football team, known for their dramatic finishes and dubbed the "Cardiac Kids" by their coaching staff last season, displayed a similar spirit in their recent matchup against Escanaba. Despite facing a halftime deficit, Gaylord rallied in the second half to secure a 35-25 victory, marking their first win in the Big North Conference on Thursday, September 3.
Entering the game with a record of 1-1, Gaylord trailed Escanaba (0-2) by a score of 17-14 at the break. However, the team's ability to bounce back and score 21 unanswered points in the second half demonstrated that their trademark resilience remains intact, even with a roster that has seen significant changes since last season.
Gaylord's head coach, Matt Silsbury, acknowledged the team's growth during the game, stating, "The first half didn’t go in our favor, but I thought we matured as the game went on. We kind of found our footing and started doing the things we are capable of." This sentiment reflects the challenges faced by a young team still finding its identity in the early stages of the season.
In the first half, Gaylord struggled with penalties and turnovers, which hindered their offensive efforts. The Blue Devils had two long touchdowns nullified due to penalties, including a 70-yard touchdown reception by Jimmy Jorgensen. Additionally, junior quarterback Calvin Cosby threw two interceptions that set up Escanaba's scoring opportunities, contributing to the three-point deficit at halftime.
Coach Silsbury emphasized the importance of minimizing mistakes, particularly for a team with many young players in key positions. He remarked, "We have to eliminate mistakes. The mental mistakes are a big deal. That’s getting better, but it’s not perfect. Nothing out here is perfect by any means." This acknowledgment of the team's growing pains is crucial as they continue to develop throughout the season.
However, the second half brought a significant turnaround for Gaylord. Cosby, making only his second varsity start, showcased his dual-threat capabilities, throwing for two touchdowns and leading the offense with both his arm and legs. After the game, he reflected on the importance of moving past mistakes, saying, "Gotta have the memory of a goldfish; next play, that doesn’t matter." This mindset proved beneficial as Gaylord found their rhythm in the latter half.
Adjustments made during halftime proved pivotal. Gaylord, traditionally known for its strong running game, had struggled to find success on the ground in the first half. However, improved offensive line play and strategic adjustments allowed them to regain their offensive balance. Blake Green emerged as a key player, scoring two rushing touchdowns, while MJ Letourneau added a decisive score late in the game.
Coach Silsbury noted, "We went in at halftime and made a few key adjustments to kind of make that click. When we watched the film, we were really close to missing some things, and we finally got it tied up and taken care of." This adaptability was crucial in turning the game around and securing the victory.
Looking ahead, Gaylord will host Cadillac (1-1, 1-0 BNC) on Friday, September 11, as they aim to build on this momentum and continue their growth as a team.
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