Gillison comes up big for Central
When the Pickerington (Ohio) Central Tigers need a big play through the air, junior tight end Trenton Gillison is typically the target. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound prospect once again came up big for the Tigers on Friday night in a thrilling 17-14 win over top-ranked Huber Heights Wayne. The Tigers booted a 19-yard field goal with time expiring, sending them to the state semifinals in Division I. Gillison, who is on the field goal unit, was able to take in all of the emotions in the final seconds.
"We just had faith in our kicker," said Gillison after the game. "We've been working (on that situation) every day in practice. He came through when it mattered the most."
After struggling to finish drives the entire first half, Gillison got the Tigers on the board just before halftime. Catching a throw back screen on the right sideline, Gillison stayed behind his blockers before running through a pair of defenders near the goal line for a 23-yard score to tie the game at 7.
"It was just a throw back screen," Gillison recalled. "The coaches said this game would be a dog fight and we had to fight for it."
Gillison would also add a key 10-yard catch to setup the Tigers with a first and goal situation at the Wayne 5 on yet another game-tying drive. This one in the fourth quarter with under six minutes to play. The Rivals100 product has developed a knack for big catches in big moments.
"I just try to focus on the ball," he said. "I block out everything else and just focus on catching the ball, and then I try to make something happen with it."
While the Central/Wayne game had a state championship type of feel, Gillison and the Tigers have plenty of work to do, starting with a Friday night showdown with Cincinnati powerhouse St. Xavier.
"It's the playoffs so after (Friday) night, we have to focus on the next game," he said. "Starting with film on Sunday, we have to focus on that next game and try and forget about this one."
Gillison will visit Ohio State on Saturday for its showdown with Michigan.