GMC News
Alford’s four TDs help lift GMC over Snow College
September 10, 2012 Alford’s four TDs help lift GMC over Snow College Kyle CollinsThe Union-RecorderThe Union-RecorderMon Sep 10, 2012, 03:00 PM EDT MILLEDGEVILLE — Fans dealt with the heat and humidity Saturday afternoon at Davenport Field and were rewarded with an energetic Georgia Military College 47-30 comeback win over Snow College. Running back speedster Mario Alford found his way into the end zone four times in the game. Alford had 10 rushes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The Greenville native also took advantage out wide with four receptions for 129 yards and his other two scores against the nation’s No. 8 ranked visitor. “That boy can run. Everybody says he is supposed to be one of the fastest guys in Georgia out of high school. It’d be hard to argue with them. He is truly a danger when the ball is in his hands,” GMC head coach Bert Williams said. The Bulldogs took the early lead off quarterback Clay Chastain’s 77-yard touchdown pass to Alford, but Snow fired back with a rushing score on fourth and inches. GMC was out of sync in the first quarter with offside penalties and a snap flying over Chastain’s head for a safety. Snow led 16-7 after the first. The defensive backs got their eyes on the backfield early, which opened up the passing game for Snow’s talented pocket passer Christian Stewart. Stewart picked GMC apart well into the first half. The Bulldogs’ offense sputtered into the middle of the second quarter. “They did some little things differently defensively that confused us, and we were having a terrible time getting the communication,” Williams said. Everything turned around when tight end Kris Hurley caught a short pass and revved up the sideline carrying defenders with him. This seemed to wake up GMC’s squad. Alford followed with a 35-yard scoring sprint right after. “I think it ignited the guys a little bit. Hurley is an emotional guy,” Williams said. “He made a nice catch and had some yards after contact.” Now alive and well, the Bulldogs inched closer with a Chastain fade to the back left corner of the end zone caught by Montez McGuire. GMC went to half down 23-20. GMC came out asleep once again in the third. Chastain was sacked, and the following punt attempt was blocked and recovered in the end zone by Snow for a touchdown. Up 30-20, Snow’s lead would be short lived. Defensive coordinator Rob Manchester dialed up some pressure on the opposing quarterback. “We didn’t get a lot of sacks, but we got in his (Stewart’s) face. He’s not used to that. They have a big ole’ wide line, and they do a good job buying time,” Williams said. “For our guys to get that push and get in that guy’s face and make him throw moving out of the pocket, it took away from his normal ability at quarterback.” GMC intercepted Snow three times and recovered two fumbles in the final half. Te’Angelo Ulett, Stephen Houston and Ronnie Martin all recorded picks that gave the offense a chance. The home team took the lead back off great running by Alford and Phillip Moore. The short but powerful Moore’s competitive nature kept the momentum rolling. Brandon Golson scooped a fumble and scored to put the game away. GMC’s three scoring drives were credited to great second half play calling by Darrell Ballard and Ross Robinson, who found a way to hurt Snow with big gains. Chastain was 13 of 24 for 218 yards, three touchdowns and just a single interception. Williams was proud his team fought through the negative stretch. The Bulldogs have some work to do before facing Dean College in Franklin, Mass. this week, but the work should be a little easier after a 2-0 start. “It’s a lot easier to work hard when you are winning. They are a good quality group of guys,” said the head coach. “They are young and will make mistakes, but they made fewer this week than last week. We’ll keep building on that to take care of the next step.”
