Jaylen Jay scores 4 TDs as Gilbert tops Saluda in South Carolina high school football clash

Quarterback Drake Braddock also throws for four scores as he Indians rallied from an early 13-0 deficit in a clash of South Carolina powers

GILBERT, SOUTH CAROLINA – Under head coach Chad Leaphart, Gilbert football has become “Quarterback High.”

Since he returned to his alma mater, he’s developed several quarterbacks who have gone on to play at the college level.

His latest prospect is senior Drake Braddock. Since becoming the starter at mid-season last year, he has won every regular season game.

On Friday, his unblemished regular season mark continued in a 49-27 victory over previously undefeated Saluda. Braddock completed 14-of-21 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns in rallying the Indians (5-0) from a 13-0 deficit.

“He’s honestly a college level coach,” said Braddock about Leaphart. “He doesn’t belong in high school football. To have that guy in my back pocket is wonderful. I wouldn’t be the quarterback I am today without him.”

Gilbert is 5-0 for the fourth time under Leaphart, the school’s winningest head coach. It now begins defense of the Region 5-3A title next week against Lower Richland.

“We always tell our guys on region ball that’s the most important time of the year,” Leaphart said. “If we don’t play well in region ball, there is no fourth season as we say. There are no playoffs. I think our guys will be motivated, ready to go.”

Jaylen Jay does it all out of the Gilbert backfield

Matching Braddock in the scoring department was junior running back Jaylen Jay. He rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns and caught six passes for 142 yards and two scores.

Gilbert running back Jaylen Jay surpassed 100 yards rushing and nearly reached 150 yards receiving, while scoring four touchdowns / Photo by Thomas Grant

After sitting behind Jaden Allen-Hendrix and Alias Graham-Woodberry, Jay has made the most of his expanded role.

“Jaylen hadn’t really had his opportunity, but I’m the one and as coaches, we’re the ones seeing him at practice and stuff,” Leaphart said. “He was stuck behind those guys last year, but he got his opportunity and really, deep down, I felt like that he could have a big year this year and that’s exactly what he’s doing.”

Gilbert offensive line matches Saluda's physicality

Leaphart also credited his offensive line for their play against the physically imposing Tigers. State champion wrestler Colton Travis leads the way at right tackle, followed by Adam Thomas, Kennedy Harmon, Drew Hill, Bryson Butler, and Brayde Keisler.

Saluda's offensive highlights

Drew Arant completed 19-of-28 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns for Saluda. He also had one interception. Wide receiver Josh Uhler had eight receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown and Braylen Williams had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Early ending

The game was called with 10:07 left in the fourth quarter. Saluda head coach Stewart Young was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty – his team’s sixth of the contest.

The Tigers (4-1) were flagged 13 times for 130 yards, while Gilbert was penalized nine times for 109 yards.

Caleb Strese selected to the Shrine Bowl

Defensive lineman Caleb Strese had 1.5 tackles in the win. He was the lone Gilbert player selected to the South Carolina team competing at the 87th annual Shrine Bowl on Dec. 16 in Spartanburg.

Gilbert head coach Chad Leaphart is an assistant coach for the Sandlappers.

“It’s a great honor,” he said. “I want to thank everybody for getting me there – coaches and players and everything.” 

Photo by Thomas Grant

-- Thomas Grant, Jr. | talonzo1621@gmail.com | @sbliveSC