Wilson excelling for Yellow Jackets

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Thomas County Central kicker Gavin Wilson follows through on a boot during preseason practice in August. File photo

November 16, 2011

Clint Thompson CNHI The Times Enterprise Wed Nov 16, 2011, 02:44 PM EST

THOMASVILLE — Practice makes perfect for Thomas County Central sophomore Gavin Wilson.

The hours of extra time and hard work put in by the Yellow Jackets kicker paid off in a big way last Friday night — a game-winning kick in the playoffs.

Wilson's 24-yard boot in overtime propelled the Yellow Jackets past the Statesboro Blue Devils 31-28 and into the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs on Friday at Flowery Branch.

"That's great for him," Central coach Bill Shaver said. "He's a hard worker. He and his dad go out there, when we're not practicing, they're out there practicing kicking. He's done a great job for us all year.

"It was big. They called a timeout to try to ice him a little bit. He stepped up there — it was a good snap by Peyton Glass, good hold by Alex Bergozza — and then Gavin put it through there. It was a good team play right there. (Gavin) did a great job of getting it through the uprights."

An overjoyed Wilson was then flooded with congratulations from his teammates.

“I’m surprised he survived the pile-on (afterward). There was a pile of people on top of him,” said Central assistant Bill Wilhelm, who also coaches Wilson on special teams. “I’m just glad he survived being on the bottom of that.

“I thought it was pretty outstanding. No question about it, that’s his biggest kick to date.”

Wilson's range has expanded to around 40 yards. Shaver pondered the idea of Wilson attempting a 49-yarder against Statesboro right before halftime but decided against it. Wilson's kick in overtime was belted with confidence and should serve as a confidence builder for the future.

See Thursday's edition for more details.

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