CAPSHAW – The buzz around Guntersville’s success on the football field this season has been based primarily on its offense. In Friday’s 37-7 win at East Limestone in the Class 4A quarterfinals, it was the Wildcats’ defense that did the talking.

Guntersville held East Limestone to 193 yards of offense and nine first downs – with only three coming in the first half. The Wildcats rolled up 379 yards of offense – while only being forced to punt twice.

“Our defense stepped it up a notch tonight,” Guntersville coach Phil Isom said. “We got some big stops in the first half, and that set the tone. I can’t credit our assistant coaches enough for getting our guys prepared this week.”

Guntersville set the tone early in the first quarter when Joel Svenson kicked a 34-yard field goal. After recovering the ensuing onside kick, quarterback Chaz Rogers connected with Trevor Diamond on a 38-yard pass to put the Wildcats on the nine-yard line. Rogers ran nine yards for a touchdown on the next play. Svennson’s extra point attempt was good.

“We just couldn’t stop them,” East Limestone coach Jeff Pugh said. “We just weren’t able to make the plays we needed to on defense. They are a very good football team.”

The Indians got on the board late in the first quarter when quarterback Chad Dewitt hit LaGarius Mayberry on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Jacob Applebee made the extra point.

Rogers scored two more touchdowns in the first half on runs of 1 yard and 12 yards to extend Guntersville’s lead to 24-7 at the half.

In the opening drive of the second half, Rogers hit Diamond on a 42-yard touchdown pass. Svennson missed the extra point.

Rogers completed 11 of 13 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

East Limestone started to move the ball with some success late in the third quarter, but the Indians’ drive failed when Dewitt was sacked for an 8-yard loss to turn the ball over on downs on the Wildcats’ 35. Three plays later, Josh Gunther bounced into the secondary and sprinted 32 yards for a touchdown. Gunther led Guntersville with 105 yards rushing.

“They have a very good defense,” Pugh said. “We made a few mistakes and had a couple of turnovers. But you can’t take anything away from Guntersville. Coach Isom had a good game plan and they executed it perfectly.”

East Limestone had seven penalties for 50 yards and two turnovers.

Mayberry led the Indians offensively with three receptions for 63 yards. Jonathan Pinque rushed for 45 yards, while Mayberry ran for 43 yards.

“This was a special season for us,” Pugh said. “A lot of people overlooked us early in the season, but these guys were able to overcome that. These guys have been through a lot and they deserve every bit of the success they’ve had. This is a special group of players and they’ve shown a lot of heart this year. I’m proud of everyone of these guys.

Guntersville will travel to play Alexandria – who beat Dora 38-19 Friday – next week in the Class 4A semifinals.