In July 2003, WTRP station manager Glenn Buxton asked me to do play-by-play for the LaGrange Grangers. I had heard of the Grangers mainly because of their earning the 1991 USA Today national championship. But I knew little of the 2003 Grangers, and less of their head coach, Steve Pardue.
The broadcast crew then consisted of me, Doug Cox and Todd Willis. We went to Coach Pardue's office the week before the Newnan scrimmage and talked football. I was impressed with the mixture of confidence and humility I saw in the head coach. Doug asked Steve if the 2003 Grangers would resemble the 1999 Grangers with the graduation of players like Adrian Griffin, Blake Mitchell, Emanuel Harrell and Skyler Thornton. Without hesitation, Pardue said “No, not with this bunch of kids.”
After a 24-21 loss in the first game, the Grangers reeled off 29 straight wins, winning two state championships in a row. All told, Pardue and the Grangers would win three state titles, appear in five semifinals, and win eight region crowns. But the on-the-field accolades are only the surface.
When Steve Pardue announced his resignation as head coach, the first thing I wanted to do was ask his former players what Steve Pardue meant to them when they played and what he means to them today. Maybe even add a story that they would like to share with you, the reader, which you may not know. The response was overwhelming. If I simply copied and pasted what they wrote, it would fill up pages and pages of this newspaper.
“Father figure” were the most commonly used words describing Steve Pardue. UAB linebacker Keon Harris wrote that Pardue “became a father figure to me at a time where I needed one most. Before becoming a member of the varsity team I continuously got suspended from school and disrespected whoever I came in to contact with. Becoming a Granger under his terms is what makes me who I am today, a humble young man. What you have in Steve Pardue is a blueprint on how to be a man and how people should try and reach out to kids not only for your own success, but also to help teens build character, work hard, show respect, and gain leadership skills.”
Kentucky linebacker Qua Huzzie also used the term “father figure” saying Pardue “didn’t only teach you about the game of football, but more important he taught you how to be a young man and make the right decisions about life. How to be successful throughout our lifetime. Once in practice he said ‘What would people think when they see your picture on the wall? Do you want to be average?’ That would push me even harder.
Pardue had a way of making players buy into a mindset that they can not lose. Denver Bronco linebacker Braxton Kelley wrote that Pardue “set a standard so high that even this day it sometimes makes me think that I can win every time I step on a field. Even going on to college I stuck to that drive and determination to win because in high school he made us feel invincible.” The 55-2 record Braxton's class had didn't hurt in that feeling of invincibility.
It was during Kelley's junior year, 2003, that the Grangers won their second state title with Pardue as head coach. As I noted before, Pardue knew that team was too talented to do poorly. Granger kicker and former Granger sideline reporter Tommy Traylor wrote, “Coach Pardue came in and told us 'There’s no reason why this team can’t win the state championship. If we don’t win the state championship, it will be my fault for not doing a good enough job as your coach.' Any fan who watched the Troup game at the beginning of that season would have called Coach Pardue crazy if they had known he had said that. We turned the ball over 6 times,” Traylor wrote, “and gave up some big plays on defense in a loss. But from that first team meeting, Coach Pardue had won over our players. Even after that embarrassing loss a key member of our team asserted his faith in what we could accomplish.”
That key member was Wesley Woodyard, who is now a linebacker with the Denver Broncos. Woodyard gave the postgame prayer after the 2003 loss to Troup, and in it he asked the Lord to “help us learn from our mistakes tonight and get better each week, because we still have 14 games left to play.” Wesley certainly had not wavered in his belief in what Coach Pardue told the Grangers before the season. 29 wins later, LaGrange would become back to back state champions, against all odds.
Pardue always kept an even keel about him. Kentucky kicker Joe Mansour wrote “No matter how stressed out or angry he was about a game or situation you could never tell.” The reason? According to Ben Turner, student manager for the Auburn University football team, Pardue “and the other coaches were all men of God. I can still recall the thunder I would get in my chest as we would all say the Lord's Prayer in unison before walking out of the tunnel.” Tommy Traylor echoed the sentiment. “Coach Pardue did not just have a goal of simply molding great players and great teams, but molding great men who would continue to follow the right path and make the most of their God-given abilities.”
Every player who responded to my request said playing for Coach Pardue was a highlight in their life, not just their playing career.
Joe Mansour: “I couldn't think of a better coach I could have played for in high school. I was just blessed he ended up as my coach at LaGrange for four great years.”
Keon Harris: “Steve Pardue affected my life while he was my coach and in life after high school.”
Braxton Kelley: “Coach was always one that cared and not only about football but what kind of man you were going to become.”
Jon Kelton: “Coach Pardue told us, ‘If you are a school janitor, be the best janitor in the school. If you are at home and your mom asks you to take the trash out, be the best at taking the trash out in your family. If you are a businessman, teacher, or whatever it is you are...be the best at it that you can be.’ Sometimes when I get lazy or sorry and don't want to work and do what I need to be doing. That quote always seems to come to mind and I get back on track.”
Tommy Traylor: “If Coach Pardue was tough on you, that was a good thing—it showed that he saw potential in you to be a better player and person, and he wanted to help you improve. He always said, 'You should only be worried if I stop being tough on you and stop trying to help you improve. That would mean I’ve given up on you.' He never gave up on anyone.”
Qua Huzzie – “I still love Coach Pardue. I thank him for making me the man I am. I could call coach till this day now and ask for advice or for help and he would break every bone in his body to help me. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be.”
Ben Turner: “When I talk about my high school experience in comparison with others it makes me aware of how truly blessed I am to have played at LaGrange High School. I played for a great head coach and great group of assistant coaches. I played in front of the best fans in Georgia. I played for a great school. Today I am proud to say that I had the honor to play for Coach Pardue and wear the stars on my helmet.”
Likewise it has been an honor doing the play-by-play for the Grangers. But it has been an even greater honor working the games during the last eight years of the Steve Pardue era.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
White County 28 LaGrange 20
For the third time in four years, LaGrange finishes the season in week 12 going 0-1 in the playoffs. But it took a very talented team from Cleveland to send the Grangers home for the final time this season.
The two teams exchanged punts to open the first quarter. The Grangers then threw the first punch getting to the Warrior 35 and in scoring range. But E Smith's 52 yard field goal attempt was just short. White County countered with a four play drive going 80 yards. Ashely Lowery scored from four yards out and it was 6-0 home team. The Grangers answered with an 11 play 72 yard drive of their onw, finishing when Chauncey Smith found the end zone from five yards out. 7-6 LaGrange. One White County's next drive, Cole Segraves's pass was intercepted by Chauncey Smith, who ran it all the way in. 14-6 Grangers. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange's last drive of the half stalled at the Warrior 19. But E Smith's 36 yard field goal attempt missed its mark and the Grangers went to the locker room with a 14-6 lead.
White County's first drive of the third quarter was simple, a six play 80 yard drive keyed by a 55 yard catch. DJ Rogers caught a 31 yard pass in the end zone and the two point conversion tied the game at 14. The Grangers answered with a 75 yard drive that spanned eight plays. A 29 yard touchdown catch by Dee Smith gave LaGrange a 20-14 lead. Butthe Warriors marched right back with a nine play drive that went 80 yards. another four yard scoring run by Lowery gave White County a slim 21-20 lead. LaGrange's very next drive was a long 13 play drive from the 25 to the 25. But E Smith's 42 yard field goal attempt was wide, his third miss of the night. The Warriors would turn the ball over and LaGrange was in great shape. But on the second play of the drive, Chauncey Smith's halfback pass was intercepted and White County got new life. An 11 play drive going 73 yards took a full five minutes off the clock. Lowery ran across the goal line from two yards out giving the Warriors a 28-20 lead and leaving a scant 1:23 left in the game. But on LaGrange's fifth play of the drive, Braxton Smith's pass was picked off and White County ran out the clock.
The Grangers' lack of depth was key in their 5-6 season, the first sub-.500 since 1999. But make no mistake, the White County Warriors are a good team. Todd Willis and I had a chance to chat with former Warrrior head coach Bill White and he said this is the best team they ever had.
The senior class finishes with a 32-15 record and playoff appearances in every year. Congratulations to the Grangers on their 11th straight playoff season.
The two teams exchanged punts to open the first quarter. The Grangers then threw the first punch getting to the Warrior 35 and in scoring range. But E Smith's 52 yard field goal attempt was just short. White County countered with a four play drive going 80 yards. Ashely Lowery scored from four yards out and it was 6-0 home team. The Grangers answered with an 11 play 72 yard drive of their onw, finishing when Chauncey Smith found the end zone from five yards out. 7-6 LaGrange. One White County's next drive, Cole Segraves's pass was intercepted by Chauncey Smith, who ran it all the way in. 14-6 Grangers. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange's last drive of the half stalled at the Warrior 19. But E Smith's 36 yard field goal attempt missed its mark and the Grangers went to the locker room with a 14-6 lead.
White County's first drive of the third quarter was simple, a six play 80 yard drive keyed by a 55 yard catch. DJ Rogers caught a 31 yard pass in the end zone and the two point conversion tied the game at 14. The Grangers answered with a 75 yard drive that spanned eight plays. A 29 yard touchdown catch by Dee Smith gave LaGrange a 20-14 lead. Butthe Warriors marched right back with a nine play drive that went 80 yards. another four yard scoring run by Lowery gave White County a slim 21-20 lead. LaGrange's very next drive was a long 13 play drive from the 25 to the 25. But E Smith's 42 yard field goal attempt was wide, his third miss of the night. The Warriors would turn the ball over and LaGrange was in great shape. But on the second play of the drive, Chauncey Smith's halfback pass was intercepted and White County got new life. An 11 play drive going 73 yards took a full five minutes off the clock. Lowery ran across the goal line from two yards out giving the Warriors a 28-20 lead and leaving a scant 1:23 left in the game. But on LaGrange's fifth play of the drive, Braxton Smith's pass was picked off and White County ran out the clock.
The Grangers' lack of depth was key in their 5-6 season, the first sub-.500 since 1999. But make no mistake, the White County Warriors are a good team. Todd Willis and I had a chance to chat with former Warrrior head coach Bill White and he said this is the best team they ever had.
The senior class finishes with a 32-15 record and playoff appearances in every year. Congratulations to the Grangers on their 11th straight playoff season.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Troup Co. 34 LaGrange 27
For the third time in four years, the LaGrange-Troup game was decided by one score as the Tigers upended LaGrange 34-27 in a very exciting game, ending the Grangers six game winning streak over Troup.
For the third time in five years in this series, the opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown. Demoton Boyd ran the kickoff 98 yards for the score and the Grangers took an early 6-0 lead. Troup would go three and out and LaGrange started the next drive at the Troup 30 after a bad punt by Jordan Vann. It took only two plays for LaGrange to score. A 27 yard pass from Braxton Smith to Dee Smith found the end zone and it was 13-0 barely 3 minutes into the game. Troup came back with a four play 63 yard drive, however, when Wilson Lindsey ran 15 yards for a touchdown. 13-7 Grangers. LaGrange answered with a three play 84 yard drive, capped off by Dee Alford's 89 yard touchdown catch and it became 20-7 LaGrange. But that would be all the scoring for the next 33 game clock minutes for LaGrange. The teams exchanged punts, exchanged turnovers, and exchanged punts again. Troup's final drive of the first half went 62 yards in six plays, the last being an eight yard scoring run by Quan Bray. Both teams went to the locker room with LaGrange enjoying a 20-13 lead.
The Tigers got into the Granger red zone to open the second half, but Vann missed a 28 yard field goal. After a Granger three and out, Troup again got within scoring range. But Dee Smith intercepted a Brannon Smith pass and the Grangers set up shop at their own 20. LaGrange would only get one first down, though, and after a punt Troup started at their own 36. On the second play, Quan Bray ran 59 yards for a touchdown and knotted the game up at 20.
Then the wheels came off. Malcolm Dowell fumbled the kickoff return and Troup started at the Granger 15. Five plays later the Tigers scored on a 10 yard touchdown pass to Eric Hutchinson to take a 27-20 lead. With LaGrange reeling, Troup pulled off an onside kick and had the ball again. It took the Tigers only four plays to go 37 yards when Bray ran in from three yards out. 34-20 Troup. But LaGrange answered on the very next drive. Braxton Smith led the 80 yard drive in six plays and found Sean Cagle in the end zone. 34-27 Tigers. Troup would punt and LaGrange drove to the midfield stripe. But Braxton Smith's pass was intercepted and Troup ran out the clock.
This was an excellent chess match between two excellent coaching staffs. The Grangers held Quan Bray to 27 first half yards. The onside kick after Troup took the lead was brilliant. After being down two touchdowns, the Grangers did not pack it in and marched down the field for a touchdown. The loss of Price Oliver earlier this season was evident. Javonte Daniel was hobbled last week and John Wagner was taken out of this game. But still LaGrange came close against a very talented Troup team.
LaGrange next makes the 147 mile trip to Cleveland to face the White County Warriors. LaGrange has an outstanding record against teams they have never played before, so I like the Grangers' chances.
For the third time in five years in this series, the opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown. Demoton Boyd ran the kickoff 98 yards for the score and the Grangers took an early 6-0 lead. Troup would go three and out and LaGrange started the next drive at the Troup 30 after a bad punt by Jordan Vann. It took only two plays for LaGrange to score. A 27 yard pass from Braxton Smith to Dee Smith found the end zone and it was 13-0 barely 3 minutes into the game. Troup came back with a four play 63 yard drive, however, when Wilson Lindsey ran 15 yards for a touchdown. 13-7 Grangers. LaGrange answered with a three play 84 yard drive, capped off by Dee Alford's 89 yard touchdown catch and it became 20-7 LaGrange. But that would be all the scoring for the next 33 game clock minutes for LaGrange. The teams exchanged punts, exchanged turnovers, and exchanged punts again. Troup's final drive of the first half went 62 yards in six plays, the last being an eight yard scoring run by Quan Bray. Both teams went to the locker room with LaGrange enjoying a 20-13 lead.
The Tigers got into the Granger red zone to open the second half, but Vann missed a 28 yard field goal. After a Granger three and out, Troup again got within scoring range. But Dee Smith intercepted a Brannon Smith pass and the Grangers set up shop at their own 20. LaGrange would only get one first down, though, and after a punt Troup started at their own 36. On the second play, Quan Bray ran 59 yards for a touchdown and knotted the game up at 20.
Then the wheels came off. Malcolm Dowell fumbled the kickoff return and Troup started at the Granger 15. Five plays later the Tigers scored on a 10 yard touchdown pass to Eric Hutchinson to take a 27-20 lead. With LaGrange reeling, Troup pulled off an onside kick and had the ball again. It took the Tigers only four plays to go 37 yards when Bray ran in from three yards out. 34-20 Troup. But LaGrange answered on the very next drive. Braxton Smith led the 80 yard drive in six plays and found Sean Cagle in the end zone. 34-27 Tigers. Troup would punt and LaGrange drove to the midfield stripe. But Braxton Smith's pass was intercepted and Troup ran out the clock.
This was an excellent chess match between two excellent coaching staffs. The Grangers held Quan Bray to 27 first half yards. The onside kick after Troup took the lead was brilliant. After being down two touchdowns, the Grangers did not pack it in and marched down the field for a touchdown. The loss of Price Oliver earlier this season was evident. Javonte Daniel was hobbled last week and John Wagner was taken out of this game. But still LaGrange came close against a very talented Troup team.
LaGrange next makes the 147 mile trip to Cleveland to face the White County Warriors. LaGrange has an outstanding record against teams they have never played before, so I like the Grangers' chances.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
LaGrange 36 Columbus 8
The Grangers took care of business at Kinnett Stadium Friday night against Columbus 36-8. The Blue Devils end their season with a 2-8 record, while LaGrange has one more game.
The Grangers won the toss, elected to receive, and moved the ball 52 yards for a touchdown. Braxton Smith fired a 12 yard strike to Dee Smith in the end zone. The two point conversion was successful and LaGrange went up 8-0 early. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange started their next drive at their own 24. Nine plays and 76 yards later, Chauncey Smith runs in from three yards out and it was 15-0 Grangers. Columbus goes three and out again and the Grangers engineer a 68 yard drive in only five plays. The fifth was a neat 20 yard run by Q Ferrell through a sliver of a crease in the line. E Smith's extra point was good and the score was 22-0 and would stay that way at halftime.
The first drive of the second half saw the Blue devils go 44 yards in 12 plays capped off by a strange touchdown catch. The receiver had fallen and was sitting on his backside when the ball was tipped and fell right into his hands. The two point conversion worked and it was 22-8 Columbus. But the Grangers answered right back. A 66 yard drive in only five plays finished with a 19 yard scoring catch by Dee Smith and it was 29-8. Columbus went three and out again and LaGrange strikes quickly again. Four plays going 47 yards, the final play a 27 yard touchdown catch by the tight end Dee Alford gave LaGrange a 36-8 lead. The first play of the Blue Devils' next drive was a pass intercepted by Qwa Baldwin, effectively sending what crowd was on the home side to the parking lot.
Next up is the big one. LaGrange and Troup...a game that is usually big enough. But this year the winner of this game will be the #2 seed in Region 6-AAA and be the host team in the playoff's first round. The loser travels in the first and probably every round afterward. I expect a packed house as always for this game. I'll see you there.
The Grangers won the toss, elected to receive, and moved the ball 52 yards for a touchdown. Braxton Smith fired a 12 yard strike to Dee Smith in the end zone. The two point conversion was successful and LaGrange went up 8-0 early. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange started their next drive at their own 24. Nine plays and 76 yards later, Chauncey Smith runs in from three yards out and it was 15-0 Grangers. Columbus goes three and out again and the Grangers engineer a 68 yard drive in only five plays. The fifth was a neat 20 yard run by Q Ferrell through a sliver of a crease in the line. E Smith's extra point was good and the score was 22-0 and would stay that way at halftime.
The first drive of the second half saw the Blue devils go 44 yards in 12 plays capped off by a strange touchdown catch. The receiver had fallen and was sitting on his backside when the ball was tipped and fell right into his hands. The two point conversion worked and it was 22-8 Columbus. But the Grangers answered right back. A 66 yard drive in only five plays finished with a 19 yard scoring catch by Dee Smith and it was 29-8. Columbus went three and out again and LaGrange strikes quickly again. Four plays going 47 yards, the final play a 27 yard touchdown catch by the tight end Dee Alford gave LaGrange a 36-8 lead. The first play of the Blue Devils' next drive was a pass intercepted by Qwa Baldwin, effectively sending what crowd was on the home side to the parking lot.
Next up is the big one. LaGrange and Troup...a game that is usually big enough. But this year the winner of this game will be the #2 seed in Region 6-AAA and be the host team in the playoff's first round. The loser travels in the first and probably every round afterward. I expect a packed house as always for this game. I'll see you there.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
LaGrange 30 Central-Carroll 0
After being shut out in the previous game, the Grangers win by shutout for the 48th time in the Steve Pardue era. Wholesale changes were made and proved to be for the better. Malcolm Dowell moved to the outside linebacker position, Dee Smith started at safety, Chauncey Smith played both ways seeing time at running back and Deshawdrick Varner was Chauncey's blocking back.
LaGrange's opening drive started at their own 40 and took only two plays to go those 60 yards. A 43 yard pass from Braxton Smith to Dee Smith found the end zone and it was 7-0 before most folks sat down after the national anthem. The Lions went three and out and the Grangers went to work. A 46 yard drive took seven plays but not quite three minutes. A 14 touchdown yard catch by John Wagner made it 14-0. Another Central three and out gave the Grangers the ball at the Lion 49. On the sixth play, Chauncey Smith fought is way in from four yards out and the score was 20-0, still in the first quarter. Central would get their initial first down in the next drive on a 15 yard penalty, but Deshawdrick Varner later intercepted a third down pass and ran it in for the score. 27-0 Grangers. Central's best drive of the night went 11 plays thanks to a fake punt that got the Lions to the Granger 14. Quez Morgan blocked a field goal attempt but the Grangers next drive stalled at Central's 17. E Smith's 34 yard field goal attempt was true and the Grangers hit the magic mercy rule number, 30-0. LaGrange emptied the bench in the second half and each team only had two possessions each, scoring no points.
The Grangers hold their own destiny for home field in the playoffs first round if they win out. Barring any upsets next week, the winner of LaGrange-Troup will be the number two seed in Region 6-AAA and host the #3 seed from Region 8-AAA. But first thing's first. We'll be at Kinnett Stadium Friday when the Columbus Blue Devils host LaGrange.
LaGrange's opening drive started at their own 40 and took only two plays to go those 60 yards. A 43 yard pass from Braxton Smith to Dee Smith found the end zone and it was 7-0 before most folks sat down after the national anthem. The Lions went three and out and the Grangers went to work. A 46 yard drive took seven plays but not quite three minutes. A 14 touchdown yard catch by John Wagner made it 14-0. Another Central three and out gave the Grangers the ball at the Lion 49. On the sixth play, Chauncey Smith fought is way in from four yards out and the score was 20-0, still in the first quarter. Central would get their initial first down in the next drive on a 15 yard penalty, but Deshawdrick Varner later intercepted a third down pass and ran it in for the score. 27-0 Grangers. Central's best drive of the night went 11 plays thanks to a fake punt that got the Lions to the Granger 14. Quez Morgan blocked a field goal attempt but the Grangers next drive stalled at Central's 17. E Smith's 34 yard field goal attempt was true and the Grangers hit the magic mercy rule number, 30-0. LaGrange emptied the bench in the second half and each team only had two possessions each, scoring no points.
The Grangers hold their own destiny for home field in the playoffs first round if they win out. Barring any upsets next week, the winner of LaGrange-Troup will be the number two seed in Region 6-AAA and host the #3 seed from Region 8-AAA. But first thing's first. We'll be at Kinnett Stadium Friday when the Columbus Blue Devils host LaGrange.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Carrollton 49 LaGrange 0
Wow.
To put this in perspective, this was the worst loss LaGrange has suffered since the 1983 state championship game where the Grangers fell to Tift County 59-6. This is the worst shutout loss the Grangers had since Athens in 1927.
Carrollton's opening drive went 80 yards finished by a one yard quarterback sneak by AJ Barge for a touchdown. LaGrange went three and out and Carrollton would march down the field again. 48 yards in five plays ended in six points when Broderick Snoddy ran six yards into the end zone. LaGrange converted on one third down the next drive, but they would stall at the 40. The Trojans would go 64 yards, the last 20 on a run by Dallas Dickey. 21-0. LaGrange would punt and Carrollton only needed two plays on their next drive. A 61 yard TD catch from brother to brother, AJ Barge to Josh Barge, and the Trojans were up by 28. The teams exchanged punts and Carrollton would need one play with 1:46 left in the half. A 50 yard catch by Telvin Brown gave Carrollton another touchdown. Demoton Boyd fumbled on the Grangers' second play of the drive and carrollton needed only three plays to go 15 yards. It was Barge to Barge again and Carrollton went into the locker room leading 42-0. LaGrange went three and out on the first drive of the second half and Carrollton went 56 yards for their final touchdown. A five yard Telvin brown run capped off the five play drive and neither team scored again. 49-0 Trojans.
Thankfully, the Grangers have a week off before hosting the Central Lions from Carroll County. Needless to say there will be some soul searching and work to be done before LaGrange takes the field again.
To put this in perspective, this was the worst loss LaGrange has suffered since the 1983 state championship game where the Grangers fell to Tift County 59-6. This is the worst shutout loss the Grangers had since Athens in 1927.
Carrollton's opening drive went 80 yards finished by a one yard quarterback sneak by AJ Barge for a touchdown. LaGrange went three and out and Carrollton would march down the field again. 48 yards in five plays ended in six points when Broderick Snoddy ran six yards into the end zone. LaGrange converted on one third down the next drive, but they would stall at the 40. The Trojans would go 64 yards, the last 20 on a run by Dallas Dickey. 21-0. LaGrange would punt and Carrollton only needed two plays on their next drive. A 61 yard TD catch from brother to brother, AJ Barge to Josh Barge, and the Trojans were up by 28. The teams exchanged punts and Carrollton would need one play with 1:46 left in the half. A 50 yard catch by Telvin Brown gave Carrollton another touchdown. Demoton Boyd fumbled on the Grangers' second play of the drive and carrollton needed only three plays to go 15 yards. It was Barge to Barge again and Carrollton went into the locker room leading 42-0. LaGrange went three and out on the first drive of the second half and Carrollton went 56 yards for their final touchdown. A five yard Telvin brown run capped off the five play drive and neither team scored again. 49-0 Trojans.
Thankfully, the Grangers have a week off before hosting the Central Lions from Carroll County. Needless to say there will be some soul searching and work to be done before LaGrange takes the field again.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
LaGrange 26 Haralson County 7
The Grangers bounced back with a win Friday night at Callaway Stadium over the Rebels of Haralson County. Some self-inflicted mistakes kept the game close, but Haralson County is definitely a team on the rise.
The Grangers' opening drive started at their own 36 and got to the Rebel 6 when Q Ferrell tried to move the ball from one hand to the other. He fumbled and Haralson started their first drive there. Four plays later they would also fumble and Milton Lamar recovered at the Rebel 38. LaGrange would take nearly five minutes off the clock in nine plays going those 38 yards. The drive ended on a Braxton Smith quarterback sneak into the end zone. E Smith missed the extra point and it was 6-0 LaGrange. Two plays into Haralson's next drive the Rebels fumbled again and TK Morgan recovered. E Smith missed a 34 yard field goal attempt, however, and the score remained 6-0. Haralson would punt the ball on their next drive and LaGrange would capitalize. A six minute, sixty five yard drive in 11 plays finished with six points. John Wagner caught a pass in the back of the end zone from nine yards out. The two-point conversion failed and LaGrange goes up 12-0. The Rebels went three and out and LaGrange turned the ball over a second time, this one by Demoton Boyd. But Haralson could not score on their ensuing drive before the half ended.
The Granger defense held Haralson to two first downs the entire first half.
The Rebels' first drive of the second half was a three and out so LaGrange started at their own 47. Three plays later another fumble hit the ground and Haralson recovered. The Rebels found a way to move the ball, going 51 yards to the Granger 14. Price Oliver recovered and the Grangers found themselves at the Rebel 12. On the ninth play, Dee Smith caught a Braxton Smith pass from his shoelaces and stumbled into the end zone. E Smith's extra point was true and it was 19-0 LaGrange. Haralson County moved the ball again, starting at their own 20 and going to the Granger 41 before turning the ball over on downs. LaGrange started on the Rebel 49 and did not need a long drive. Demoton Boyd rushed five yards on teh fifth play of the drive to pay dirt and it was 26-0 Good Guys. With a little more than six minutes left to go it looked like Steve Pardue would have his 48th shutout as head coach, but Haralson had other plans. A 14 play, 80 yard drive ended when Antoinne Phillips ran into the end zone from six yards away. 26-7 LaGrange. On the Grangers' first drive, John Boyd turned the ball over but Haralson County could do nothing with it. The clock expired with the Grangers winning 26-7.
The Granger defense has caused 14 turnovers this season. That is Granger football. However the Grangers turned the ball over themselves 14 times as well. That needs to be corrected. Especially with the Carrollton game coming in a week. The downside is Carrollton has been scoring a lot while giving up a little. The upside is Carrollton is zero for LaGrange. The winner of this game will likely win the region. Let's have a packed stadium Friday night.
The Grangers' opening drive started at their own 36 and got to the Rebel 6 when Q Ferrell tried to move the ball from one hand to the other. He fumbled and Haralson started their first drive there. Four plays later they would also fumble and Milton Lamar recovered at the Rebel 38. LaGrange would take nearly five minutes off the clock in nine plays going those 38 yards. The drive ended on a Braxton Smith quarterback sneak into the end zone. E Smith missed the extra point and it was 6-0 LaGrange. Two plays into Haralson's next drive the Rebels fumbled again and TK Morgan recovered. E Smith missed a 34 yard field goal attempt, however, and the score remained 6-0. Haralson would punt the ball on their next drive and LaGrange would capitalize. A six minute, sixty five yard drive in 11 plays finished with six points. John Wagner caught a pass in the back of the end zone from nine yards out. The two-point conversion failed and LaGrange goes up 12-0. The Rebels went three and out and LaGrange turned the ball over a second time, this one by Demoton Boyd. But Haralson could not score on their ensuing drive before the half ended.
The Granger defense held Haralson to two first downs the entire first half.
The Rebels' first drive of the second half was a three and out so LaGrange started at their own 47. Three plays later another fumble hit the ground and Haralson recovered. The Rebels found a way to move the ball, going 51 yards to the Granger 14. Price Oliver recovered and the Grangers found themselves at the Rebel 12. On the ninth play, Dee Smith caught a Braxton Smith pass from his shoelaces and stumbled into the end zone. E Smith's extra point was true and it was 19-0 LaGrange. Haralson County moved the ball again, starting at their own 20 and going to the Granger 41 before turning the ball over on downs. LaGrange started on the Rebel 49 and did not need a long drive. Demoton Boyd rushed five yards on teh fifth play of the drive to pay dirt and it was 26-0 Good Guys. With a little more than six minutes left to go it looked like Steve Pardue would have his 48th shutout as head coach, but Haralson had other plans. A 14 play, 80 yard drive ended when Antoinne Phillips ran into the end zone from six yards away. 26-7 LaGrange. On the Grangers' first drive, John Boyd turned the ball over but Haralson County could do nothing with it. The clock expired with the Grangers winning 26-7.
The Granger defense has caused 14 turnovers this season. That is Granger football. However the Grangers turned the ball over themselves 14 times as well. That needs to be corrected. Especially with the Carrollton game coming in a week. The downside is Carrollton has been scoring a lot while giving up a little. The upside is Carrollton is zero for LaGrange. The winner of this game will likely win the region. Let's have a packed stadium Friday night.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Shaw 39 LaGrange 35
For the first time in my eight years broadcasting Granger games, head coach Steve Pardue declined a post-game interview. I can't blame him. I was ready to get out of there as quickly possible. For the first 19 minutes the Grangers dominated Shaw and it looked like it would be a mercy rule game. But high school football is a 48 minute game.
LaGrange's first drive went 61 yards in five plays. The last play was a 49 yard touchdown catch by John Wagner from Braxton Smith. 7-0 early. Shaw would punt and the Grangers would march 86 yards in 11 plays, finishing with a one yard Q Ferrell run for six points. 14-0 Good Guys with the E smith PAT. After a Raider three and out LaGrange would find the end zone again after a six play, 58 yard drive ending on a 26 yard TD catch by Dee Smith and a 21-0 lead. Shaw would punt again and LaGrange would start at the Shaw 17 yard line. But on the second play, Sean Cagle would catch what seemed to be a touchdown pass, but the ball was swatted away from him in the end zone and caught by a Raider. Shaw could not convert a first down, however and the Grangers would make them pay. The first play from scrimmage saw Dee Smith make a 55 yard touchdown catch and it was 28-0 with 4:30 to go in the first half.
That would be the end of the one-sided part of the game.
Shaw's Marquis Brown returned the ensuing kickoff to the Granger 28. Three plays later LaVonte Williams would catch an 11 yard scoring pass from Kyel Darner and it was soon 28-7. Braxton Smith would be intercepted and Shaw started at the Granger 34. On the first play Darner hooked up with Tramez Walker for a touchdown and it was 28-13. LaGrange would muff the kickoff and Shaw started at the Granger 35. It took only five plays for Shaw to get in the end zone on a three yard pass to Johntez Webb. The half would end with LaGrange reeling, but leading 28-20.
Shaw punted on their opening drive of the second half, but it would be muffed and the Raiders recovered at the Granger 42. Four plays later a 31 yard catch by Marquis Brown cut the Granger lead to two, 28-26. By this point in the game, LaGrange gave up six straight touchdowns when the opponent drives started inside Granger territory going back to the Carver game.
The two teams settled into a puntfest the next six drives. Braxton Smith would get intercepted again with five minutes to go in the game and Shaw would start at their own 42. Four plays later a six yard scoring run by Chris Baker gave Shaw the lead for the first time 32-28. But LaGrange would show their mettle starting at their own 37. Eleven plays and 63 yards in just under three minutes ended when Braxton found Javon Cameron in the end zone. The Grangers took the lead 35-32 with 30 seconds left in the game. Then one of the more dramatic turn of events. A 99 yard, two foot, 11 inch kick off return by Marquis Brown found the end zone and Shaw wins the game 39-35.
LaGrange gets an extra day to work out what needs working out before the Haralson County game next week. Only five games left in the regular season. No other games are guaranteed. Three region wins will likely be enough to get to the playoffs. But the number of chances only get fewer.
LaGrange's first drive went 61 yards in five plays. The last play was a 49 yard touchdown catch by John Wagner from Braxton Smith. 7-0 early. Shaw would punt and the Grangers would march 86 yards in 11 plays, finishing with a one yard Q Ferrell run for six points. 14-0 Good Guys with the E smith PAT. After a Raider three and out LaGrange would find the end zone again after a six play, 58 yard drive ending on a 26 yard TD catch by Dee Smith and a 21-0 lead. Shaw would punt again and LaGrange would start at the Shaw 17 yard line. But on the second play, Sean Cagle would catch what seemed to be a touchdown pass, but the ball was swatted away from him in the end zone and caught by a Raider. Shaw could not convert a first down, however and the Grangers would make them pay. The first play from scrimmage saw Dee Smith make a 55 yard touchdown catch and it was 28-0 with 4:30 to go in the first half.
That would be the end of the one-sided part of the game.
Shaw's Marquis Brown returned the ensuing kickoff to the Granger 28. Three plays later LaVonte Williams would catch an 11 yard scoring pass from Kyel Darner and it was soon 28-7. Braxton Smith would be intercepted and Shaw started at the Granger 34. On the first play Darner hooked up with Tramez Walker for a touchdown and it was 28-13. LaGrange would muff the kickoff and Shaw started at the Granger 35. It took only five plays for Shaw to get in the end zone on a three yard pass to Johntez Webb. The half would end with LaGrange reeling, but leading 28-20.
Shaw punted on their opening drive of the second half, but it would be muffed and the Raiders recovered at the Granger 42. Four plays later a 31 yard catch by Marquis Brown cut the Granger lead to two, 28-26. By this point in the game, LaGrange gave up six straight touchdowns when the opponent drives started inside Granger territory going back to the Carver game.
The two teams settled into a puntfest the next six drives. Braxton Smith would get intercepted again with five minutes to go in the game and Shaw would start at their own 42. Four plays later a six yard scoring run by Chris Baker gave Shaw the lead for the first time 32-28. But LaGrange would show their mettle starting at their own 37. Eleven plays and 63 yards in just under three minutes ended when Braxton found Javon Cameron in the end zone. The Grangers took the lead 35-32 with 30 seconds left in the game. Then one of the more dramatic turn of events. A 99 yard, two foot, 11 inch kick off return by Marquis Brown found the end zone and Shaw wins the game 39-35.
LaGrange gets an extra day to work out what needs working out before the Haralson County game next week. Only five games left in the regular season. No other games are guaranteed. Three region wins will likely be enough to get to the playoffs. But the number of chances only get fewer.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Carver-Columbus 21 LaGrange 3
The #1 team in AA showed why they have that distinction Friday night in front of a national audience. But the Grangers showed everyone that even though they were undersized as a team and undertalented in a couple places, they will come to play 48 full minutes.
The Grangers' opening drive went three and out and Carver started at their 17 yard line. 83 yards and ten plays later, Isaiah Crowell walked in from two yards out. The PAT failed and it was 6-0 Tigers early. LaGrange would answer with a ten play drive of their own. Starting at their own 16, the Grangers' drive would stall at the Tiger 11. A 28 yard field goal by E-Smith was true and LaGrange did what no other team had been able to do against carver...score. 6-3 Carver. The Tigers had another ten play drive from their 20 but it would stall at the Granger 18. With no decent field goal kicking game they went for it and came up short. LaGrange would go three and out, however, and an uncharacteristic bad punt gave Carver a short field at the Granger 43. Five plays later, Crowell would fight his way into the end zone. The two point conversion was good and Carver took a 14-3 lead into halftime.
Carver opened the second half at their own 20 again and got as far as the Granger nine yard line. They opted to go for it and did not convert. LaGrange would only go six plays before Braxton Smith would be intercepted. Carver had another short field starting at the Granger 30 and would capitalize. A 13 yard run by Crowell on the Tigers third play found pay dirt and Carver extended their lead 21-3 and that is how the game would end.
Two of Carver's three touchdowns came on drives started in Granger territory. Carver is good enough of a team. Helping their offense by giving them less than 80 yards is a critical mistake. The Grangers did not hang their head and give up, though. They kept playing hard and kept fighting through every whistle. Now that this very tough pre-region schedule is done, the Grangers now focus on Region 6-AAA opponents the rest of the regular season. Next week we travel to Kinnett Stadium as LaGrange faces Shaw next Thursday night.
Finally I want to mention the crowd that came to see this game. Even though it was broadcast on two radio stations, WCJM LaGrange and WOKS Columbus, it was also televised on ESPN2. A few schools seem to think radio hurts the gate. But Friday night the visiting side was about 90% full and the home side was a hair short of 120% full. I thought I saw a butterfly try to find a seat and give up. Kudos to the fans from both LaGrange and Columbus for coming out to see two good teams. Even though the next game is on a Thursday, hopefully we will see a good crowd travel down I-185 and cheer on the Men in Blue!
The Grangers' opening drive went three and out and Carver started at their 17 yard line. 83 yards and ten plays later, Isaiah Crowell walked in from two yards out. The PAT failed and it was 6-0 Tigers early. LaGrange would answer with a ten play drive of their own. Starting at their own 16, the Grangers' drive would stall at the Tiger 11. A 28 yard field goal by E-Smith was true and LaGrange did what no other team had been able to do against carver...score. 6-3 Carver. The Tigers had another ten play drive from their 20 but it would stall at the Granger 18. With no decent field goal kicking game they went for it and came up short. LaGrange would go three and out, however, and an uncharacteristic bad punt gave Carver a short field at the Granger 43. Five plays later, Crowell would fight his way into the end zone. The two point conversion was good and Carver took a 14-3 lead into halftime.
Carver opened the second half at their own 20 again and got as far as the Granger nine yard line. They opted to go for it and did not convert. LaGrange would only go six plays before Braxton Smith would be intercepted. Carver had another short field starting at the Granger 30 and would capitalize. A 13 yard run by Crowell on the Tigers third play found pay dirt and Carver extended their lead 21-3 and that is how the game would end.
Two of Carver's three touchdowns came on drives started in Granger territory. Carver is good enough of a team. Helping their offense by giving them less than 80 yards is a critical mistake. The Grangers did not hang their head and give up, though. They kept playing hard and kept fighting through every whistle. Now that this very tough pre-region schedule is done, the Grangers now focus on Region 6-AAA opponents the rest of the regular season. Next week we travel to Kinnett Stadium as LaGrange faces Shaw next Thursday night.
Finally I want to mention the crowd that came to see this game. Even though it was broadcast on two radio stations, WCJM LaGrange and WOKS Columbus, it was also televised on ESPN2. A few schools seem to think radio hurts the gate. But Friday night the visiting side was about 90% full and the home side was a hair short of 120% full. I thought I saw a butterfly try to find a seat and give up. Kudos to the fans from both LaGrange and Columbus for coming out to see two good teams. Even though the next game is on a Thursday, hopefully we will see a good crowd travel down I-185 and cheer on the Men in Blue!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
LaGrange 27 Cedar Grove 19
On paper, considering the recent history of these two programs, LaGrange should have won easily. But as you well know, this game is not played on paper. Cedar Grove is an improving team and LaGrange was tested...and passed.
The Saints' opening drive went three and out and LaGrange started at Cedar Grove's 40. The Grangers could only get one first down and would settle for a 43 yard field goal by E Smith. The Saints would march 34 yards in 8 plays until Chauncey Smith recovered a fumble. LaGrange would not get a first down, however, and Cedar Grove would start at their own 25. 12 plays later, the drive would stall at the Granger 10 as Cedar Grove would go for it on fourth down. Their kicking game was suspect as you will see later.
LaGrange would go three and out to open the second quarter and the Saints scored after a six play. 39 yard drive. A 28 yard pass found the end zone and the Saints would go up 7-3. The teams would exchange punts and LaGrange starts at their 32 yard line. Ten plays later a nice 15 yard run by Demoten Boyd and an E Smith extra point gave the Grangers a 10-7 lead. Cedar Grove would punt but Malcolm Dowell would muff it, so Cedar Grove starts at the Granger 27. On the seventh play, Jonathan McCary would scamper three yards for a Saint TD, but the extra point missed. Cedar Grove would go into the locker room leading 13-10.
I often hear the first three minutes of the second half is the most important of the game. I don't know how true that is, but in this game the Grangers didn't just focus on those three minutes. Their first drive of the 2nd half went more than seven minutes and 14 plays. A 25 yard chip shot field goal by E Smith tied the game at 13. Then a strange turn of events as both teams traded interceptions, and then traded fumbles. Cedar Grove started at their own 15 yard line, but an 80 yard pass silenced the home crowd. The extra point attempt missed again and the Saints enjoyed a 19-13 lead.
The teams exchanged punts, but Cedar Grove's was blocked. Braxton Smith found John Wagner in the back of the end zone from 14 yards out and E Smiths PAT gave LaGrange a 20-19 lead. Another Saint fumble gave the Grangers a short field at the five yard line. Two Quint Jackson runs ended in six points (seven counting the sure-footed E Smith's kick) and LaGrange would go ahead 27-19. That would be the final score.
The final non-region game comes next Friday as the Grangers host the number one ranked AA team, the Carver Tigers from Columbus. If that isn't enough to draw a crowd, the game will also be televised nationally on ESPN 2. Those schools that think radio will hurt the gate, watch this game. It will be a packed house even though it will be on TV and, of course, radio. Kickoff is 30 minutes early. Air time on 100.9 FM, WCJM, is 6:30. We'll see you there.
The Saints' opening drive went three and out and LaGrange started at Cedar Grove's 40. The Grangers could only get one first down and would settle for a 43 yard field goal by E Smith. The Saints would march 34 yards in 8 plays until Chauncey Smith recovered a fumble. LaGrange would not get a first down, however, and Cedar Grove would start at their own 25. 12 plays later, the drive would stall at the Granger 10 as Cedar Grove would go for it on fourth down. Their kicking game was suspect as you will see later.
LaGrange would go three and out to open the second quarter and the Saints scored after a six play. 39 yard drive. A 28 yard pass found the end zone and the Saints would go up 7-3. The teams would exchange punts and LaGrange starts at their 32 yard line. Ten plays later a nice 15 yard run by Demoten Boyd and an E Smith extra point gave the Grangers a 10-7 lead. Cedar Grove would punt but Malcolm Dowell would muff it, so Cedar Grove starts at the Granger 27. On the seventh play, Jonathan McCary would scamper three yards for a Saint TD, but the extra point missed. Cedar Grove would go into the locker room leading 13-10.
I often hear the first three minutes of the second half is the most important of the game. I don't know how true that is, but in this game the Grangers didn't just focus on those three minutes. Their first drive of the 2nd half went more than seven minutes and 14 plays. A 25 yard chip shot field goal by E Smith tied the game at 13. Then a strange turn of events as both teams traded interceptions, and then traded fumbles. Cedar Grove started at their own 15 yard line, but an 80 yard pass silenced the home crowd. The extra point attempt missed again and the Saints enjoyed a 19-13 lead.
The teams exchanged punts, but Cedar Grove's was blocked. Braxton Smith found John Wagner in the back of the end zone from 14 yards out and E Smiths PAT gave LaGrange a 20-19 lead. Another Saint fumble gave the Grangers a short field at the five yard line. Two Quint Jackson runs ended in six points (seven counting the sure-footed E Smith's kick) and LaGrange would go ahead 27-19. That would be the final score.
The final non-region game comes next Friday as the Grangers host the number one ranked AA team, the Carver Tigers from Columbus. If that isn't enough to draw a crowd, the game will also be televised nationally on ESPN 2. Those schools that think radio will hurt the gate, watch this game. It will be a packed house even though it will be on TV and, of course, radio. Kickoff is 30 minutes early. Air time on 100.9 FM, WCJM, is 6:30. We'll see you there.
Friday, September 3, 2010
LaGrange 22 Spalding 7
Like last week, this game saw two completely different halves. The first was domination by the Grangers. The second was more competitive.
Like last week, the game started with a turnover deep in the opponent's territory. The Grangers were able to capitalize on the fumble, however, with a ten yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Dowell from Braxton Smith and LaGrange took an early 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange's third drive went six plays and 48 yards. It ended with a one yard touchdown run by Quint Jakcson and the Grangers went up 14-0. On Spalding's second play of the following drive, Chauncey Smith recovered a fumble at the Granger 46. The drive stalled at the six yard line, but E Smith connected on a 23 yard field goal. The Jaguars would go three and out and LaGrange could only get one first down on their next drive. But they did score. A 56 yard field goal by E Smith extended the Grangers' lead to 20-7. The teams exchanged punts again and LaGrange would end the half with a 57 yard field goal attempt that fell just short, hitting the end line on the fly.
As the second half started, I expected the mercy rule to come into play. LaGrange dominated the first half and Spalding lost to Griffin 40-0 the previous week. But an injury to Jaguar quarterback Casey Moody put sophomore Powell Krepps in the game, and this kid can play. Both teams started the second half going three and out. But when Spalding went to punt the snap sailed over the head of Matt Hayes and the Grangers got two points via the safety. 22-0 good guys. LaGrange would then fumble the ball at the Spalding 45 and the Jags would make them pay. A seven play drive going 55 yards ended on a pass from Krepps into the end zone and the Jags cut the lead to 22-7. A roughing the passer penalty on the touchdown had Spalding kick from the Granger 45, so they fooled LaGrange with an onside kick. But the first play saw Malcolm Dowell intercept the pass from Krepps and LaGrange was back in business. The two teams exchanged punts, Spalding turned the ball over on downs in their final drive and LaGrange ran out the clock.
The next game I coach will be my first, but it will be interesting to see how some experience will serve Powell Krepps. If he gets a lot of it this season, he will be a junior coming in to Callaway Stadium next year and will be a handful to deal with.
Except for the defense allowing one touchdown and the kick return team not expecting the onside kick, it was a pretty good job by the Grangers. E Smith's punting really flipped the field in the Grangers' favor and gave Spalding a long field to work with against the Granger defense. That will be a key the rest of the season.
Next up, LaGrange hosts the Cedar Grove Saints from Panthersville. Kickoff at Callaway Stadium is 7:30. Airtime on WCJM 100.9FM The Bull is 7:00. I'll see you there.
Like last week, the game started with a turnover deep in the opponent's territory. The Grangers were able to capitalize on the fumble, however, with a ten yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Dowell from Braxton Smith and LaGrange took an early 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange's third drive went six plays and 48 yards. It ended with a one yard touchdown run by Quint Jakcson and the Grangers went up 14-0. On Spalding's second play of the following drive, Chauncey Smith recovered a fumble at the Granger 46. The drive stalled at the six yard line, but E Smith connected on a 23 yard field goal. The Jaguars would go three and out and LaGrange could only get one first down on their next drive. But they did score. A 56 yard field goal by E Smith extended the Grangers' lead to 20-7. The teams exchanged punts again and LaGrange would end the half with a 57 yard field goal attempt that fell just short, hitting the end line on the fly.
As the second half started, I expected the mercy rule to come into play. LaGrange dominated the first half and Spalding lost to Griffin 40-0 the previous week. But an injury to Jaguar quarterback Casey Moody put sophomore Powell Krepps in the game, and this kid can play. Both teams started the second half going three and out. But when Spalding went to punt the snap sailed over the head of Matt Hayes and the Grangers got two points via the safety. 22-0 good guys. LaGrange would then fumble the ball at the Spalding 45 and the Jags would make them pay. A seven play drive going 55 yards ended on a pass from Krepps into the end zone and the Jags cut the lead to 22-7. A roughing the passer penalty on the touchdown had Spalding kick from the Granger 45, so they fooled LaGrange with an onside kick. But the first play saw Malcolm Dowell intercept the pass from Krepps and LaGrange was back in business. The two teams exchanged punts, Spalding turned the ball over on downs in their final drive and LaGrange ran out the clock.
The next game I coach will be my first, but it will be interesting to see how some experience will serve Powell Krepps. If he gets a lot of it this season, he will be a junior coming in to Callaway Stadium next year and will be a handful to deal with.
Except for the defense allowing one touchdown and the kick return team not expecting the onside kick, it was a pretty good job by the Grangers. E Smith's punting really flipped the field in the Grangers' favor and gave Spalding a long field to work with against the Granger defense. That will be a key the rest of the season.
Next up, LaGrange hosts the Cedar Grove Saints from Panthersville. Kickoff at Callaway Stadium is 7:30. Airtime on WCJM 100.9FM The Bull is 7:00. I'll see you there.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Newnan 27 LaGrange 13
What started as a ragged first half turned into a game of attrition Friday night at Drake Stadium. With the exception of two long touchdown runs by the Cougars, it was a very close game.
On Newnan's first play from scrimmage the Cougars fumbled and LaGrange recovered on the fifteen yard line. But four plays later E Smith missed a 26 yard field goal and the game remained scoreless. Newnan would go three and out and punt. But with Demoton Boyd out with what looked to be a hip pointer, the punt return was mishandled and the Cougars recovered at their own 35. Ten plays later, quarterback Lendell Arnold ran it in from 12 yards out and Newnan would go on top 7-0. The Grangers offense sputtered, going three and out and Newnan would start their next drive at the LaGrange 36. Three plays later, Lemond Anderson would score from ten yards out and it was 13-0.
The Grangers would get back on track with an 11 play, 84 yard drive capped off by a six yard pass from Braxton Smith to John Wagner in the back of the end zone. 13-7 Newnan. On the Cougars' third play of their next drive, Chauncey Smith showed lightning can strike twice in the same rivalry. Smith intercepted a pass and ran it in from 25 yards out to tie the game at 13. Chauncey had an interception return for a touchdown against Newnan last year as well. But Newnan would answer on the very next play from scrimmage. A 79 yard touchdown run by Arnold gave the Cougars a 20-13 lead. The Grangers would punt, recover a fumble, but then throw an interception and the half ended with a seven point Cougar lead.
Five scores, three by Newnan, two by LaGrange. Five turnovers, three by Newnan, two by LaGrange. As event filled as the first half was, the second half would be quite the opposite.
The first drive of the third quarter saw the longest sustained drive of the half. 12 plays and 48 yards by LaGrange ended when E-Smith's 45 yard field goal attempt went outside the right upright by maybe a foot. The two teams exchanged punts three times each and Newnan would set up shop at their own 37 yard line with 6:49 to go in the game. Three plays later, running back Chris Robinson would scamper 57 yards into the end zone to extend Newnan's lead 27-13. LaGrange would go three and out and Newnan would run out the clock.
Boyd's injury did not look too serious, and I think he was held out of most of the game as a precaution. There was a lot of cramping. And Granger lineman John Cook was ejected along with his Cougar counterpart for what looked like a minor altercation. No punches were thrown, but the referee deemed an ejection for both players was necessary. Cook will now have to sit out the Spalding game.
Newnan is a very good team, having only lost four games in the last three seasons combined. It was a very good test for LaGrange, and I think the defense passed with flying colors causing three turnovers in the first half and holding Newnan to only two first downs the whole second half. The offense only had two drives of more than six plays and did not score after Newnan turned the ball over. Kickoffs were very good but other work is needed in special teams. But it is a long season and the Grangers always improve.
Next week, we head to Griffin for a Thursday night game against the Spalding County Jaguars. Air time is 6:30 ET on 100.9 FM WCJM. See you there.
On Newnan's first play from scrimmage the Cougars fumbled and LaGrange recovered on the fifteen yard line. But four plays later E Smith missed a 26 yard field goal and the game remained scoreless. Newnan would go three and out and punt. But with Demoton Boyd out with what looked to be a hip pointer, the punt return was mishandled and the Cougars recovered at their own 35. Ten plays later, quarterback Lendell Arnold ran it in from 12 yards out and Newnan would go on top 7-0. The Grangers offense sputtered, going three and out and Newnan would start their next drive at the LaGrange 36. Three plays later, Lemond Anderson would score from ten yards out and it was 13-0.
The Grangers would get back on track with an 11 play, 84 yard drive capped off by a six yard pass from Braxton Smith to John Wagner in the back of the end zone. 13-7 Newnan. On the Cougars' third play of their next drive, Chauncey Smith showed lightning can strike twice in the same rivalry. Smith intercepted a pass and ran it in from 25 yards out to tie the game at 13. Chauncey had an interception return for a touchdown against Newnan last year as well. But Newnan would answer on the very next play from scrimmage. A 79 yard touchdown run by Arnold gave the Cougars a 20-13 lead. The Grangers would punt, recover a fumble, but then throw an interception and the half ended with a seven point Cougar lead.
Five scores, three by Newnan, two by LaGrange. Five turnovers, three by Newnan, two by LaGrange. As event filled as the first half was, the second half would be quite the opposite.
The first drive of the third quarter saw the longest sustained drive of the half. 12 plays and 48 yards by LaGrange ended when E-Smith's 45 yard field goal attempt went outside the right upright by maybe a foot. The two teams exchanged punts three times each and Newnan would set up shop at their own 37 yard line with 6:49 to go in the game. Three plays later, running back Chris Robinson would scamper 57 yards into the end zone to extend Newnan's lead 27-13. LaGrange would go three and out and Newnan would run out the clock.
Boyd's injury did not look too serious, and I think he was held out of most of the game as a precaution. There was a lot of cramping. And Granger lineman John Cook was ejected along with his Cougar counterpart for what looked like a minor altercation. No punches were thrown, but the referee deemed an ejection for both players was necessary. Cook will now have to sit out the Spalding game.
Newnan is a very good team, having only lost four games in the last three seasons combined. It was a very good test for LaGrange, and I think the defense passed with flying colors causing three turnovers in the first half and holding Newnan to only two first downs the whole second half. The offense only had two drives of more than six plays and did not score after Newnan turned the ball over. Kickoffs were very good but other work is needed in special teams. But it is a long season and the Grangers always improve.
Next week, we head to Griffin for a Thursday night game against the Spalding County Jaguars. Air time is 6:30 ET on 100.9 FM WCJM. See you there.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
2010 football season
The 2010 football season is upon us. By popular demand, I will again bring the recaps to you as soon as I can following each game. Work kept me from doing the recaps in 2009, and it still will be tight. But I received a good many e-mails and message board private messages asking for their return. So I will have them this season both here and at www.lagrangefootball.com.
The Grangers' schedule opens Aug. 27 at Newnan and hit the road the following Thursday at Spalding County. Sept. 5. LaGrange's home opener is against Cedar Grove, and the following week they are at home against Carver-Columbus. This game is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 9/16, but could be moved to Friday if the game is televised on ESPN.
The Grangers open their region schedule at Kinnett Stadium Thursday Sept. 23 at Shaw, followed by a three-game home stand vs. Haralson County (10/1), Carrollton (10/8) and Central-Carroll (10/22). Then back to Kinnett to face Columbus on Oct. 29 and wrap up the regular season as the visiting team Nov. 5 against Troup County.
Every game will be on WCJM 100.9 FM The Bull. Todd Willis and I enter our eighth season calling the action, with Tommy Whitworth joining us on the sideline this year.
The Grangers' schedule opens Aug. 27 at Newnan and hit the road the following Thursday at Spalding County. Sept. 5. LaGrange's home opener is against Cedar Grove, and the following week they are at home against Carver-Columbus. This game is tentatively scheduled for Thursday 9/16, but could be moved to Friday if the game is televised on ESPN.
The Grangers open their region schedule at Kinnett Stadium Thursday Sept. 23 at Shaw, followed by a three-game home stand vs. Haralson County (10/1), Carrollton (10/8) and Central-Carroll (10/22). Then back to Kinnett to face Columbus on Oct. 29 and wrap up the regular season as the visiting team Nov. 5 against Troup County.
Every game will be on WCJM 100.9 FM The Bull. Todd Willis and I enter our eighth season calling the action, with Tommy Whitworth joining us on the sideline this year.
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