In one of the biggest wins in school history, Gaylesville defeated Class 1A, Region 7 frontrunner and No. 8 ranked Valley Head, 29-28, last Friday.

The host Trojans (6-2, 5-1) not only clinched a playoff berth but assumed first place in the region after handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.

Gaylesville can secure the region championship nest week with a win at Cedar Bluff.

With Gaylesville trailing 28-21 and three and a half minutes left in the game, Cain Higgins picked off a Valley Head pass and returned the ball 62 yards to the Tiger 10.

Higgins’s ensuing four-yard touchdown run drew the hosts within a point.

Head coach Brian Clowdis elected to go for the win, and Tyler Bradford’s two-point conversion put Gaylesville ahead 29-28 with 1:12 left it in the contest.

Helped by a Bradford sack, the Trojans defense then held on fourth down on the visitors’ final possession.

Bradford rushed for 120 yards on 23 carries, while Shcoven Warren finished with 39 yards on 10 attempts.

Higgins completed 7-of-13 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran 15 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Zac Mobbs had four receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, while J.C. Beason caught two passes for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Mobbs totaled nine tackles, followed by Beason with eight, Bradford with six and Nick Reed had four.

Reed had an interception, while Caleb McCord blocked a punt