GILMER -- Despite missing most of 2014's offensive superstars and 15-year head coach Jeff Traylor, the Gilmer Buckeyes began the new year the same way they ended last season: in the winner's circle.
Defending state champion and third-ranked Gilmer held off a talented and experienced Liberty-Eylau squad, 50-45, in each team's season opener Thursday night at the newly-named Jeff Traylor Stadium.