GARDENDALE, Ala. – Cullman stayed within two touchdowns through three quarters Thursday night, but Gardendale used a 27-point fourth quarter to pull away for a 55-29 Class 5A, Region 5 victory at Driver Stadium.
The Rockets led 7-0 after the first quarter, 21-7 at halftime and 28-14 entering the fourth. The teams then combined for 41 points over the final 12 minutes, nearly matching their 42-point total through the first three quarters.
Gardendale struck first and carried a 7-0 advantage into the second quarter.
Cullman answered with its first touchdown before halftime, but the Rockets added two touchdowns of their own during the period to take a 21-7 lead into the locker room.
The Bearcats continued to battle after the break. Cullman reached the end zone in the third quarter to cut into the deficit, but Gardendale answered and restored its two-touchdown lead at 28-14 before the period ended.
The pace changed dramatically in the fourth quarter. Gardendale scored 27 points in the period and kept Cullman from completing a comeback.
The Bearcats produced 15 fourth-quarter points, giving them three consecutive scoring quarters after being shut out in the first, but the Rockets’ late surge put the game out of reach.
Gardendale’s 55 points were the most Cullman has allowed this season, while the Bearcats’ 29 points were their highest total of the year.
The result ended Gardendale’s three-game losing streak and moved the Rockets to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in Region 5.
Cullman fell to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in region play with its fourth consecutive loss.
Cullman will return home to face Parker in another region game Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
