By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

SYLVANIA, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams shutout the Gaston Bulldogs, 52-0 on Friday night.

Sylvania struck early and often, scoring 28 unanswered points in the first quarter. On the second play from scrimmage, Brody Smith connected with Keenan Wilbanks for the 71-yard score. After the Rams shut the Bulldogs down, Gaston turned over the ball on the 37-yard line.  Gareth Anderson sailed into the endzone, five plays later, on a 22-yard run with 6:00 remaining in the first quarter.  Gaston could not catch a break as Jordan Johnson, intercepted the ball.  Smith made a 38-yard pass connection with Grant Atchley for the score. On the next possession, , Gaston fumbled.  Levi Anderson cashed in on the fumble, and scored from 8-yards out, making the score 28-0 at the end of one. 

In the second quarter, Jaxxon Andrade kicked a perfect 38-yard field goal to go into the half, with the 31-0 advantage. 

Halfway through the third, Gareth Anderson scored on a 3-yard scamper into the endzone to broaden the Ram lead, 38-0.  

In the fourth, Atchley connected with Johnson on a 24-touchdown pass to make the score 45-0.  The Rams scored their last touchdown of the night, with 2:32 remaining in the game, on a 7-yard run by Preston Darwin.

Smith completed 8-of-9 passes for 201 yards.  Wilbanks led the Ram with three receptions for 90 yards and one score.  Gareth Anderson had 55 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns.

The Sylvania Rams will start back regional play as they travel to take on the Plainview Bears in the “Sand Mountain Showdown.”