North Sand Mountain played Sand Rock off its feet, nearly throwing the Class 2A, Region 7 playoff race into chaos.

However, the Wildcats (5-2, 4-1) overcame the homestanding Bison (3-4, 1-4) to earn a 14-0 victory last Thursday at Higdon.

It was Sand Rock’s fifth straight win and third all-time against NSM, which now leads the series 5-3.

NSM stifled Sand Rock’s normally high-powered offense, holding the Wildcats to 248 total yards.

NSM’s offense managed only 157 total yards (76 rushing, 81 passing) and had several trips deep into Sand Rock territory stall due to downs or turnovers.

“We had a lackluster performance, but said NSM was a big reason why,” said Sand Rock head coach Russell Jacoway. “You have to give credit to [NSM]. They played hard and had a good gameplan.”

The win came at a steep price, however, as Wildcat senior running back Justin Garrard suffered a broken leg with 3:19 remaining in the game.

According to the Sand Rock coaching staff, Garrard underwent successful surgery on Friday morning and a full recovery is expected.

Both Sand Rock touchdowns came in the second quarter. Offsetting penalties negated Jake Thompson’s 85-yard punt return for a TD in the first quarter.

The Bison’s best scoring threat came early in the fourth quarter, as they drove from their 24-yard line to Sand Rock’s 10.

But the drive ended on a third-down play when J.T. Carrell’s pass intended for tight end Ethan Gilbert was intercepted at the 5.

Another interception, this one by Brian Dorsett at the Sand Rock 11, ended the Bison’s final possession with 2:12 left in the game.

Garrard had runs of 18, five, three, 22 and four yards on the Wildcats first scoring drive, which was capped by Andy Andrews’ 4-yard TD run with 11:11 left in the first half.

Sand Rock managed another score just before halftime.

Stimpson led a two-minute drive, capping it with a one-yard TD run with one second left in the half.

For Sand Rock, Josh Stimpson completed 12-of-21 passes for 89 yards.

Garrard rushed for 52 yards on five carries, while Andy Andrews gained 52 yards on 12 attempts.

Jake Thompson added 46 yards on six carries.

For the Thundering Herd, Carrell was 6-of-16 passing for 81 yards.

Sand Rock hosts Section next Friday