Callaway 20 LaGrange 14 OT

Around 10 minutes before airtime, a Cavalier supporter said he expected the score to resemble a lopsided basketball game. I don't know about you, but I have never seen a lopsided basketball game turn out scoreless at the half. To use a highly technical term, this game was a slobber knocker.

LaGrange was forced to punt on its opening possession, but the Granger defense caused the Cavaliers to fumble on there's. LaGrange then turned the ball over on downs at the Callaway 21, and the Cavaliers had to punt. The teams battled to a stalemate, but Lagrange put together a long, drawnout drive. Four minutes into the second quarter, Lagrange had a 50 yard drive in 13 plays that took more than 5 1/2 minutes. But they could not turn it into points. Callaway's second turnover came with 48 seconds left to go in the half but Ahmad Ogletree threw his first interception of his career on the very next play. Tristian Dozier returned the favor, picking off a Dre Martin pass. The first half ended with the score knotted at zero.

I did not keep up with the yardage, but by my math Lagrange had around 15 minutes time of possession to Callaway's nine.

The second half started out much like the first half went. Callaway turn the ball over on downs while the Grangers were forced to punt. The Cavaliers coughed the ball up on the first play of their second drive, and this time Lagrange capitalized. A seven play, 36 yard drive ended when Kimani Barnes found the end zone from one yard out. 7-0 Grangers. Callaway went three and out, and LaGrange only needed six plays to go 57 yards. An eight yard run by Jeremiah Wright found paydirt, and it was 14-0 Grangers with 9:22 left in the game.

After an exchange of punts, the Cavaliers struck quickly.  It only took three plays to go 69 yards. Terry Godwin caught a 27 yard touchdown pass and the Cavaliers were down by one score. On the next Granger possession, Ogletree took a third and five play and made a miracle out of it. He was bottled up, escaped, and scampered to the Callaway 30 yard line. But LaGrange fumbled the ball away on the very next play. And Callaway would make them pay for it. An 80 yard drive in nine plays ended when Eddie Culpepper scored from five yards away with 21 seconds left in the game. 14-14 and on to overtime we go.

LaGrange started OT getting a first down to the 4 yard line. On third down, Mon Denson leaped over the top and almost broke the plane of the goal line. On fourth down, the Grangers went for it but was stopped right at the goal line again. Callaway took over in the bottom of the overtime, and it only took three plays to find the end zone. Martin ran it in from four yards out and Callaway wins 20-14.

It was definitely a hard fought battle both ways. The Cavalier players and fans acted like they won the Super Bowl when the touchdown was scored. There was a lot of upside to how both teams played. Now the Grangers host Troup in the first non-region game since 2003. That means this game doesn't mean anything, right?

Even I know better than that.

Thank you, Donnie Branch

After my first season broadcasting LaGrange football in 2003, I asked about doing baseball in 2004.  Station manager Glenn Buxton said he would talk with the owner about it.  The next week, Glenn said the answer was no.  The owner said that high school baseball would be too hard to sell.  LaGrange went on to win the 2004 AAA state baseball championship.  The Granger football team wins the 2004 state championship, so I ask Glenn once again about doing baseball.  This time he didn’t bother asking the owner, saying it would be better to ask forgiveness than permission.

That year, LaGrange baseball and football almost sold itself.  It is easy to get advertisers when you broadcast successful programs.  And the baseball and football teams were successful largely because of Donnie Branch.

Coach Branch started at LaGrange High School in 1986.  Two years ago, he stepped down as head coach of the baseball team.  This year, he announced his retirement from coaching.  I asked a few dozen former players to e-mail something about Coach Branch.  A story, their thoughts, anything they would like to share.  I only received e-mails from two former players, but what they said would likely have been echoed by the rest of them.

“When I look back on my high school career, “ wrote Jon Kelton, “there are two traits I gained from my time at LaGrange High School and playing under Coach Branch.  Those are discipline and work ethic.    We were not always the most talented team in high school, but nobody ever outworked us and nobody played the game more fundamentally sound than we did. “

Work ethic is a common theme among all coaches at LaGrange.  But it doesn’t stop when you leave.  Kelton recalls something that happened when he was playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“In 2010 we were on a great run at the end of the season and playing Ole Miss in the SEC tournament.  Coach Branch came to support and I had a good game with a big hit earlier in the day.  We were ahead of Ole Miss in the last inning and my at bat wasn’t crucial but I still wanted another hit for selfish reasons.  I rolled over a ball to second base and loafed down the first base line.  Three years into my college career and coach Branch was still chirping at me from the stands as I got back to the dugout.  After the game we spoke on the phone and all I wanted to do was talk about the big win, but he made sure to give me an earful and reminded me I’m a Granger, and never to loaf down the line again.  Now, several years removed from college and a business owner  in Birmingham, AL, those two character traits I developed in my time under Coach Branch are still at the core of what I do today.  Whenever things get tough or I want to complain and feel sorry for myself, I know coach Branch would immediately tell me to “shut up and quit being soft.”  Sometimes you just need to hear it.  I believe this no excuse mentality and the high level of pride he instilled in every player who wore the Granger uniform is why he was so successful as a coach for so many years. “

Once discipline and work ethic is instilled in athletes, and fundamentals are learned, then they are ready for competition.  And Donnie Branch thrived on it. 

“One of many things that always impressed me about Coach Branch was how intense of a competitor he was,” wrote Tommy Traylor, “and likewise his ability to instill that competitive greatness in his players. We certainly had some special players that helped make those defensive units great. But I believe that a big part of what made those defenses so great, especially in big games, can be attributed to Coach Branch. He pushed for perfection, and demanded that players take pride in their effort, discipline, technique, and performance in practice as well as games. By the time an important region or playoff game rolled around, the above was second nature--part of a player's identity--and wouldn't fade under pressure.”

To me, personally, Coach Branch was always accessible and honest.  His door was always open and he told you what he thought.  His first baseball postgame interview with me, he remembered his audience.  He thought his starting pitcher’s performance “sucked,” but he said that off-air.  On the air he said it “stunk.”  He took the time from his busy schedule for me, and not just for pregame interviews.  But to talk about the team, giving back stories about players we could share on the air and help make them more to our listeners.

But to the players and coaches who saw him every day, he was a whole lot more.

Tommy Traylor, again.  “Coach Branch was also a great motivator, able to infuse the defense with confidence that they could not only hang in with any opponent, but could dominate them and even win the game for us if need be.  He embodies so many qualities that comprise a true man.  He was accountable and honest, a man of his word, and made selfless decisions with the best interest of others in mind.  Overall, he was truly a servant-leader, giving immeasurable amounts of time and effort to teach, mold, and help young men, both on and off the field.”

Though retired, Donnie has taken time to work with the defensive coaches, giving his vast knowledge on how to be a coach to the younger coaches.  After 30 years total, Coach Branch still pays it forward helping kids be better players, coaches be better coaches, and everyone he comes in contact with be better people.

Carrollton 42 LaGrange 6

The Grangers battled hard the first half, holding Carrollton to 14 points.  But the offense could not get on track and the Trojans came away with a 42-6 victory Friday night.

LaGrange punted all four possessions in the first half. Carrollton scored on a 56 yard drive with a Will Garrett quarterback sneak and a 51 yard drive when Garrett ran it in from 12 yards out. But in between, Emmanuel Swanson picked off Garrett's pass and LaGrange caused a fumble making the Trojans turn the ball over on downs.  The Grangers showed a fire in their bellies at intermission.

The Trojans worked to extinguish it as they scored on their next two possessions and forced LaGrange to punt on theirs.  A 70 yard drive capped by an eight yard TD run by Garrett and a 60 yard drive, set up by a 48 yard run by Dante Wigley and finished with a six yard scoring run by Malik Sheppard extended the Trojan lead to 28-0.  Daz Dunlap caused a Carrollton fumble and Kimani Barnes recovered, but LaGrange could not get points.  The Trojans did get points on an 85 yard drive finished by a 32 yard touchdown pass from Garrett to Jarrell Rowe. 35-0.  A mishandled pitch gave The ball back to Carrollton, but Tristian Dozier returned the favor, intercepting a Garrett pass. LaGrange again was forced to punt and the Trojans ended their scoring with a 56 yard Will Hesterlee run.  42-0.  LaGrange finally got on the board when Wynton Heard threw a 14 yard pass to Tay Rivers, who caught it in the end zone.   42-6 would be the final.

LaGrange finished the season 3-7, their third losing season in four years.  They also miss the playoffs for the first time since 1999.  Head Coach Donnie Branch announced he is stepping down as head coach .  I truly hope he is kept on as defensive coordinator.  He still has a lot of knowledge of the game and quality years of coaching ahead of him.  Whatever happens, I wish him well.

Troup Co. 27 LaGrange 8

An exciting first half and a one sided second-half led to Troup clinching a postseason berth and pretty much assuring the Grangers miss the playoffs.  LaGrange fell to the Tigers 27 to 8 at Callaway Stadium Friday night and the two halves could not have been more different.

Troup's opening drive resulted in a punt, but LaGrange fumbled the ball away. The Tigers started their next drive on the Granger 47 yard line and capitalized. A 26 yard touchdown run by Dre Towns gave Troup an early 6-0 lead. LaGrange failed on a fake field goal and Troup started at their own 2. The Granger defense held firm, forcing Troup to punt, but a bad snap sailed through the end zone for a safety. 6-2 Tigers. LaGrange took the lead with a 47 yard drive of their own when Hayden Olive caught a 10 yard touchdown pass from Wynton Heard. 8 to 6 Lagrange. After an exchange of punts, Daz Dunlap came away with a fumble and LaGrange started at the Troup 30.  But Taylor Stanford missed a 41 yard field goal and LaGrange went into the locker room leading 8-6.

The second half started in a fashion I have never seen before.  Troup kicked off toward the near sideline but no Granger touched it. The Tigers grabbed it at the LaGrange 26.  Five plays later, Will Smith snuck in from the 1 yard line and Troup took a 13 to 8 lead.  After a puntfest, Troup scored again following a 50 yard drive. Dre Towns ran it in from 16 yards out to give the Tigers a 20 to 8 lead. A Granger three and out gave Troup the ball at their 39. The 61 yard drive was capped when Daryl Dunlap found the end zone from 33 yards out. The game would end with a 27-8 Tiger victory.

The win sends Troup to the postseason to face the loser between Gilmer and Dalton. LaGrange's 13 year playoff run will likely come to an end.  The Grangers next play at Carrollton's Grisham Stadium for pride and to break the three game losing streak to the Trojans. I'll be there to cheer on a LaGrange. I hope you will be, too .

Sandy Creek 42 LaGrange 7

A few Sandy Creek Patriots came back off the injured list and some Grangers fell victim to the flu during the week.  When the game was over, the Grangers were just sick when they fell 42-7 at the Battlefield Friday night.

The Patriots opened the game with a 56 yard drive in eight plays that finished with a two yard touchdown run by Delvin Weems.  7-0 Sandy Creek.  The teams exchanged punts and the Patriots found the end zone again.  A 20 yard scoring pass from Cole Garvin to Jacari Brooks made it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.  LaGrange went three and out again and Sandy Creek went the full 85 yards for a touchdown.  A 64 yard run by Weems made it 21-0 Patriots.  Quan Delaney fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and Creek only needed 28 yards to get another score.  They did in one play when Eric Swinney rushed into the end zone.  28-0 Patriots.  After a Granger punt, Sandy Creek went 93 yards in only three plays.  A 15 yard run by Swinney made it 35-0 at intermission.

The second half used a running clock.  Creek drove down to the Granger 18 in nine plays when Corey Perkins intercepted Garvin's pass and he was finally brought down at the Patriot seven yard line.  It took one play for Benny Gray to find the end zone.  35-7 Creek.  The Patriots turned the ball over on downs, but on LaGrange's next possession, I saw the worst call all year.  A screen pass to Perkins from Wynton Heard bounced off Perkins' hands and hit the ground.  The officials said it was a fumble and the Patriots recovered.  They drove 66 yards to the end zone when freshman Marvin Hubbard ran it in from seven yards out.  Time expired with the #1 team in the state winning 42-7.

This leaves the Grangers in a tough position with the Troup game next.  Win, and there will likely be a three way tie for the last two playoff spots between LaGrange, Troup and Alexander.  Lose, and LaGrange will have to beat Carrollton and hope for a lot of help to make the playoffs.  On paper, Troup should win.  But I have seen games where Troup should have won, but LaGrange came out on top.  I believe LaGrange can win.  We'll see you at Callaway Stadium.

LaGrange 36 Fayette County 20

The Grangers avenged a loss last year to Fayette County by beating the Tigers 36 to 20 Friday night at Callaway Stadium.  LaGrange remains one game behind the region leaders with three games left to play.

The Tigers opened the scoring with a 59 yard pitch from Daveion Nash to Montrell Kelley to take a 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged turnovers but LaGrange had to punt the ball away. Fayette turned the ball over on downs after a failed fake punt but the teams traded ineffective drives. The Grangers cracked the egg on the scoreboard on their first drive of the second quarter by going 62 yards.  Benny Gray scored from four yards out and the two point conversion gave LaGrange an 8-7 lead.  Desmond Harris recovered a fumble for the second time and LaGrange got points from it. A 52 yard pass from Wynton Heard to Tay Rivers set up a one yard touchdown plunge by Gray. 15-7 Grangers. Fayette responded with a 60 yard TD catch from Nash to Milan Astin. The teams would go to the locker room with LaGrange leading 15-14.

The Grangers opened the second half with a bang. On the first play from scrimmage, Mon Denson raced 65 yards to the end zone. 22-14 Grangers. Emmanuel Mann recovered a fumble but LaGrange could not get points. The defense held the Tigers to a three and out and the offense scored again.  A 24 yard pass to Hayden Olive extended the Granger lead to 29-14. Fayette County returned the favor with a 41 yard quarterback keeper. LaGrange blocked the extra point attempt and it was 29-20. The Grangers got an insurance score when Heard found Quan Delaney in the end zone. 36-20 would be the final score.

The kicking game improved as Taylor Stanford was a perfect 4 for 4 in PATs.  The defense found new playmakers as I called Desmond Harris and Dontavious Joiner's name more often than any other game.

Now LaGrange travels to The Battlefield to face Sandy Creek. The Grangers played toe to toe with Alexander and Alexander played toe to toe with the Patriots. LaGrange will have to play with no mistakes to beat the number one team in AAAA. I believe the Grangers have the talent and the coaching to win. But they will need to make the plays in all three phases to come out on top. Let's pack the stands and cheer on the Men in Blue.

Alexander 33 LaGrange 19

Shaw 2010.  Haralson County 2011.  Fayette County 2012.  Now Alexander 2013.  These are road games LaGrange needed to win to gain a foothold in the playoffs.  And even though LaGrange battled back to make the playoffs those three years, they find themselves in a hole with the toughest part of the region schedule ahead. 

Alexander scored one touchdown in the first half, and took advantage of three Granger turnovers to win 33-19 in Douglasville.  The two teams exchanged punts twice to open the first half.  But in the waning seconds of the first quarter, Michael Land-Davis found the end zone from 50 yards out to give the Cougars a 6-0 lead.  LaGrange answered with a five play, 68 yard drive that stalled inside Alexander's one yard line.  The score remained 6-0 after LaGrange's 32 yard field goal attempt failed on a bad snap with no time left on the clock.

The second half was nothing like the first half.  The Grangers scored when Mon Denson ran 30 yards for a touchdown.  6-6.  Alexander answered with a 24 yard touchdown run by Davis.  13-6 Cougars.  Benny Gray fumbled on the first play from scrimmage and the Cougars only had to go 35 yards.  They did in four plays, one was a one yard TD run by Davis.  20-6 Alexander.  Gray scored from 20 yards away to narrow the Cougar lead 20-13.  But Alexander scored again on a touchdown pass from Baylor Whitfield.  26-13.  LaGrange answered with a 70 yard touchdown run by Mon Denson.  26-19.  Yet another touchdown run by Davis extended the Cougar lead 33-19.  LaGrange returned the kickoff to the Cougar 17, but three plays later, Wynton Heard threw an interception in the end zone.  A 70 yard drive going four and a half minutes gave LaGrange the ball at their own 9 after the ball went over on downs. But on the fifth play, Heard fumbled the ball away and the Cougars ran out the clock.

In the Chestatee game last year, Coach Branch talked about the Grangers "breaking Chestatee's serve."  Alexander broke LaGrange's serve by causing three turnovers.  In order for the Grangers to make the playoffs, they need to win two of the next four games.  The opponents are Fayette County (who beat LaGrange last year), Sandy Creek (who won three of the last four state titles), Troup (who is better than last year) and Carrollton (the #2 team in the state).  Definitely an uphill battle, but the games are played on the field.

Next week is Senior Night where the seniors will be honored.  Also the 2003 State title team will also be honored.  Let's pack Callaway Stadium and support the Grangers next week.