The Grangers make second half adjustments better than most teams I have seen. Unfortunately LaGrange was in too deep of a hole in College Park Friday night. The Grangers outscored Woodward 25-20 in the second half, but the War Eagles went ahead 24-0 in the first half.
The Grangers started out slow, going three and out their opening drive. They then gave up a 49 yard run by Woodward to the Granger 18. But the defense would hold the War Eagles to a field goal. 3-0 early in the game. The next play saw Zach Giddens throw an interception but Woodward could not score from the miscue, punting the ball away four plays later. The teams exchanged punts and with two minutes left in the quarter, Quenton Jackson did a small forward toss to Dee Smith running by, but Smith could not find the handle and the officials ruled it a fumble. This time Woodward would get points. A 38 yard, five play drive ended when Kyle Hawkins ran into the end zone from nine yards out. 10-0 Woodward. The Grangers' offense sputtered again and the War Eagles scored on a 63 yard run by Quincy Wolff giving Woodward a 17-0 lead. LaGrange would punt again, but Woodward muffed it and the Grangers recovered atthe War Eagle 33. But six plays later, Alex Edwards' 28 yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. Woodward then put together their longest drive of the half going 80 yards in 12 plays. Jollyce Myrick crossed the goal line from 24 yards out and Woodward would go to the locker room with a 24-0 lead.
Woodward would start the second half with a five play, 58 yard drive. Danny Bosse scored with a 25 yard catch to put the War eagles up 31-0. But the Grangers would answer. After punting and Woodward muffing again, the Grangers took one play to find the end zone. The Dome play, this time from the spread, first done by the Grangers in the 2003 semifinals saw Jackson's pass to Dee Smith complete in the end zone. 31-7 LaGrange. You have to see it to understand it, so check out the videos on lagrangefootball.com. LaGrange then recovered an onside kick and completed a 45 yard drive. On the eighth play, Javon Cameron would catch a pass in the end zone and LaGrange cut the Woodward lead 31-13.
But the War Eagles did not fold and answered back. A 71 yard drive ended with a one yard scoring run by Myrick. 37-13 Woodward. LaGrange punted, but Demoton Boyd intercepted a War Eagle pass late in the third quarter, and the Grangers would get points from it. Seven plays and 80 yards went the Grangers, finishing with a 25 yard shuttle pass to Dee Smith made the score 37-19 Woodward. But Woodward would not let LaGrange hang around. Their next drive went 65 yards in three plays finishing with a 35 yard run by Ron Johnson into the end zone. 44-19 Woodward. The teams exchanged punts and the Grangers final drive went 71 yards in six plays. Dee Smith caught a 28 yard pass at the pylon for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 44-25. And that is how the game would end.
The Grangers finish the season 4-7 and their first back-to-back losing seasons since 1966-1967. But I saw some talent and did not see any quit from this team down the stretch, and there are plenty of good players coming back. I mentioned the seniors name by name toward the end of the broadcast, as I always do the last game of the season. I appreciate all the hard work they put into the program and wish them success in the future.
Thank you, also, to LaGrange High School and WCJM 100.9 FM "The Bull" and all our sponsors for allowing us to bring you the games via the radio and internet. Also to John Strother and lagrangefootball.com for linking the webcasts and allowing these recaps to be on the website. With Woodward putting the video online and matching it with play-by-play, I have been asked if we will do the same. Woodward has a lot more money to do things with, but I would like to see it happen for the Grangers. This program deserves the best we have to offer.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Troup 27 LaGrange 14
In a battle of two good defenses, a football game usually comes down to mistakes. This game was no different as the Grangers had a 14-9 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but two costly errors gave the Troup Tigers the win.
The Grangers opening drive ended with a Cole Kemp punt, giving Troup the ball at the Granger 49 yard line. Three plays later, Eric Bridges ran into the end zone from 24 yards out, giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead. After an exchange of punts, Troup started their third drive at their own 46. First and goal from the Granger four wound up being fourth and goal from the one, as the Granger defense stiffened. Troup settled for a field goal extending their lead to 9-0. The Grangers would punt the ball away, but on Troup's next drive Qwa Baldwin intercepted a pass from Bridges and ran it in. 9-7 Troup. The Tigers would go three and out, giving the Grangers the ball at their own 32. two plays later, Demoton Boyd would be wide open down the near sideline, make the catch, and outrun everyone to the end zone. LaGrange took the lead 14-9 into the locker room.
The second half was a defensive slugfest as six of the first seven possessions ended with the ball being punted. Troup's second drive ended when the ball was fumbled away at the Granger 11, but LaGrange could not capitalize. With 6:27 left in the game, Quinton Jackson tried to pitch the ball, but former Granger Joe Sanders batted it away, picked it up, and ran in for the touchdown. 17-14 Troup with the two point conversion. On the ensuing kickoff, the Grangers muffed it and Troup recovered 16 yards from the goal line. Three plays later, Bridges scored on the quarterback keeper. 24-14 Troup. The Grangers' next drive ended when they turned the ball over on downs at their own 34. Troup tacked on a field goal to extend their lead to 27-14.
Two of Troup's touchdowns came on drives inside of Granger territory or on the fumble return. One of LaGrange's touchdowns came on a 68 yard pass play. Otherwise it was a defensive battle with big time players making big time plays. Did you expect anything different from these two teams?
The Grangers next travel to Woodward Academy for the first round of the playoffs Friday. Airtime on 100.9 WCJM is 7:00. I'll see you there.
The Grangers opening drive ended with a Cole Kemp punt, giving Troup the ball at the Granger 49 yard line. Three plays later, Eric Bridges ran into the end zone from 24 yards out, giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead. After an exchange of punts, Troup started their third drive at their own 46. First and goal from the Granger four wound up being fourth and goal from the one, as the Granger defense stiffened. Troup settled for a field goal extending their lead to 9-0. The Grangers would punt the ball away, but on Troup's next drive Qwa Baldwin intercepted a pass from Bridges and ran it in. 9-7 Troup. The Tigers would go three and out, giving the Grangers the ball at their own 32. two plays later, Demoton Boyd would be wide open down the near sideline, make the catch, and outrun everyone to the end zone. LaGrange took the lead 14-9 into the locker room.
The second half was a defensive slugfest as six of the first seven possessions ended with the ball being punted. Troup's second drive ended when the ball was fumbled away at the Granger 11, but LaGrange could not capitalize. With 6:27 left in the game, Quinton Jackson tried to pitch the ball, but former Granger Joe Sanders batted it away, picked it up, and ran in for the touchdown. 17-14 Troup with the two point conversion. On the ensuing kickoff, the Grangers muffed it and Troup recovered 16 yards from the goal line. Three plays later, Bridges scored on the quarterback keeper. 24-14 Troup. The Grangers' next drive ended when they turned the ball over on downs at their own 34. Troup tacked on a field goal to extend their lead to 27-14.
Two of Troup's touchdowns came on drives inside of Granger territory or on the fumble return. One of LaGrange's touchdowns came on a 68 yard pass play. Otherwise it was a defensive battle with big time players making big time plays. Did you expect anything different from these two teams?
The Grangers next travel to Woodward Academy for the first round of the playoffs Friday. Airtime on 100.9 WCJM is 7:00. I'll see you there.
Friday, October 28, 2011
LaGrange 42 Columbus 28
Don't let the score fool you. This was a lopsided game Thursday night at Callaway Stadium. The Grangers led 42-7 at the half, and while Columbus left their starters in the second half, every player wearing Granger blue saw action during the mercy rule half.
The Grangers' first four drives ended in touchdowns. A 44 yard catch by Q Ferrell, a 30 yard catch by Dee Smith, a 70 yard run by Quinton Jackson and a 25 yard catch by Dee Gates Gave LaGrange a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Columbus did get a good drive going late in the first quarter, but turned the ball over on downs at the Granger one. LaGrange fumbled on second down in the end zone and the Blue Devils recovered for a touchdown. 28-7 Grangers. But LaGrange poured it on. Benny Gray scored from 9 yards out on LaGrange's next possession, then had a 46 yard touchdown catch near the end of the half to give the Grangers a 42-7 lead at intermission.
Columbus had to punt from the midfield stripe on their first drive of the second half, but it was mishandled by a backup Granger and the Blue Devils took advantage. Tony Alexander caught a 23 yard touchdown pass to cut the Granger lead to 42-14. The Granger backups fumbled but Derrick Johnson intercepted a pass from Columbus quarterback Wyatt Peterson. LaGrange turned the ball over on downs at the Blue Devil 23, and Columbus scored from it. Senior Anthony Padron caught a seven yard touchdown pass to make it 42-21. Columbus recovered an onside kick but could not convert a first down. Sophomore Wynton Heard's first pass was picked off and Columbus scored on their final drive with five seconds left in the game on another Padron catch.
If there are no upsets Friday, LaGrange and Troup will play each other next week for the #2 seed. Winner hosts the first round game, loser goes on the road. That game is always big anyway, but there always seems to be a little extra with playoff ramifications. I'll see you there.
The Grangers' first four drives ended in touchdowns. A 44 yard catch by Q Ferrell, a 30 yard catch by Dee Smith, a 70 yard run by Quinton Jackson and a 25 yard catch by Dee Gates Gave LaGrange a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Columbus did get a good drive going late in the first quarter, but turned the ball over on downs at the Granger one. LaGrange fumbled on second down in the end zone and the Blue Devils recovered for a touchdown. 28-7 Grangers. But LaGrange poured it on. Benny Gray scored from 9 yards out on LaGrange's next possession, then had a 46 yard touchdown catch near the end of the half to give the Grangers a 42-7 lead at intermission.
Columbus had to punt from the midfield stripe on their first drive of the second half, but it was mishandled by a backup Granger and the Blue Devils took advantage. Tony Alexander caught a 23 yard touchdown pass to cut the Granger lead to 42-14. The Granger backups fumbled but Derrick Johnson intercepted a pass from Columbus quarterback Wyatt Peterson. LaGrange turned the ball over on downs at the Blue Devil 23, and Columbus scored from it. Senior Anthony Padron caught a seven yard touchdown pass to make it 42-21. Columbus recovered an onside kick but could not convert a first down. Sophomore Wynton Heard's first pass was picked off and Columbus scored on their final drive with five seconds left in the game on another Padron catch.
If there are no upsets Friday, LaGrange and Troup will play each other next week for the #2 seed. Winner hosts the first round game, loser goes on the road. That game is always big anyway, but there always seems to be a little extra with playoff ramifications. I'll see you there.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
LaGrange 34 Central-Carroll 6
Mathematically, the loser of this game would not be eliminated from playoff contention. Realistically, if the Grangers would have lost, they would be on the outside looking in. But we will get to the standings later.
The Lions' first drive stalled at the Granger 35 and were forced to punt. LaGrange started their first drive inside their own five yard line, and punted from their own 34. An illegal procedure penalty gave Central the option to take the ball where their return stopped or back the Grangers up and make them kick again. The Lions chose the latter. So LaGrange punted again but this time Central muffed the fair catch attempt and LaGrange recovered at the Central 38. The drive stalled at the 26 and Alex Edwards missed a 43 yard field goal attempt wide right, but with plenty of distance. Central's next drive ended with a punt that was returned by Demoton Boyd 70 yards for a touchdown. 7-0 Grangers late in the first quarter. Central answered with a seven play drive going 78 yards. A 22 yard touchdown run by Stephon O'Neal cut the Granger lead to 7-6. LaGrange answered right back with an eight play drive of their own going 66 yards. A nice four yard catch by Dee Smith surrounded by four Lions gave the Grangers a 13-6 lead. What happened next set the tone for the rest of the game.
Central's last drive of the first half went 64 yards when they needed 65. One third and goal from inside the Granger one yard line, the defense shifted, making the Central offensive line jump. The defense then held on keeping the Lions out of the end zone. The score remained 13-6 at the half. Boyd ran the opening kickoff of the third frame to the Lion 39. This time the Grangers would capitalize on the field position. On the fourth play, Bennie Gray ran into the end zone from 23 yards out, extending the lead 20-6. Central fumbled the ball away and the Grangers recovered at their own 35. LaGrange would go the distance in 16 plays taking six and half minutes off the clock. Once again, Bennie Gray scores, this time from 12 yards out. 27-6 Grangers. Another Lion fumble was recovered by LaGrange, but they returned the favor, throwing the ball to a Central defensive back at their own eight. But the Granger defense held firm and the Lions punted on the fifth play of the drive. The Grangers churned out a five minute, 60 yard drive in 10 plays, ending with a one yard Quentin Jackson run after faking the ball to Mon Denson. 34-6 Grangers with 2:15 left in the game, and it would end with the same score.
The Grangers, by my math, had a second half time of possession of around 15 minutes to Central's nine, and snapped the ball 35 times to Central's 21. It was a big win mentally for the Grangers, not just in the standings.
Speaking of standings, Carrollton captured the region championship with their lopsided win over Columbus. Troup was three minutes away from being upset by Shaw, but a clutch field goal and a pick six virtually ensures the Tigers of a playoff spot. It would take all three, LaGrange, Haralson and Central winning out for Troup to not make the playoffs. Possible, but not probable. Haralson County, Central and LaGrange are tied for the last two spots at 2-2. If the playoffs were today, Haralson and LaGrange would be the last two in with a .500 record in all of AAA. Central is .400 with their week three loss to Woodward Academy. However, Shaw is still in the hunt with a 1-3 region record, and hosting Central next week and Haralson in the finale. Five teams still battling for three playoff spots. I love this time of year.
Next up, the Grangers honor the seniors, and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the 2001 state championship. The opponent is the Columbus Blue Devils. Come out to Callaway Stadium and bring your radios. Airtime is 6:30 Thursday with kickoff at 7:00.
The Lions' first drive stalled at the Granger 35 and were forced to punt. LaGrange started their first drive inside their own five yard line, and punted from their own 34. An illegal procedure penalty gave Central the option to take the ball where their return stopped or back the Grangers up and make them kick again. The Lions chose the latter. So LaGrange punted again but this time Central muffed the fair catch attempt and LaGrange recovered at the Central 38. The drive stalled at the 26 and Alex Edwards missed a 43 yard field goal attempt wide right, but with plenty of distance. Central's next drive ended with a punt that was returned by Demoton Boyd 70 yards for a touchdown. 7-0 Grangers late in the first quarter. Central answered with a seven play drive going 78 yards. A 22 yard touchdown run by Stephon O'Neal cut the Granger lead to 7-6. LaGrange answered right back with an eight play drive of their own going 66 yards. A nice four yard catch by Dee Smith surrounded by four Lions gave the Grangers a 13-6 lead. What happened next set the tone for the rest of the game.
Central's last drive of the first half went 64 yards when they needed 65. One third and goal from inside the Granger one yard line, the defense shifted, making the Central offensive line jump. The defense then held on keeping the Lions out of the end zone. The score remained 13-6 at the half. Boyd ran the opening kickoff of the third frame to the Lion 39. This time the Grangers would capitalize on the field position. On the fourth play, Bennie Gray ran into the end zone from 23 yards out, extending the lead 20-6. Central fumbled the ball away and the Grangers recovered at their own 35. LaGrange would go the distance in 16 plays taking six and half minutes off the clock. Once again, Bennie Gray scores, this time from 12 yards out. 27-6 Grangers. Another Lion fumble was recovered by LaGrange, but they returned the favor, throwing the ball to a Central defensive back at their own eight. But the Granger defense held firm and the Lions punted on the fifth play of the drive. The Grangers churned out a five minute, 60 yard drive in 10 plays, ending with a one yard Quentin Jackson run after faking the ball to Mon Denson. 34-6 Grangers with 2:15 left in the game, and it would end with the same score.
The Grangers, by my math, had a second half time of possession of around 15 minutes to Central's nine, and snapped the ball 35 times to Central's 21. It was a big win mentally for the Grangers, not just in the standings.
Speaking of standings, Carrollton captured the region championship with their lopsided win over Columbus. Troup was three minutes away from being upset by Shaw, but a clutch field goal and a pick six virtually ensures the Tigers of a playoff spot. It would take all three, LaGrange, Haralson and Central winning out for Troup to not make the playoffs. Possible, but not probable. Haralson County, Central and LaGrange are tied for the last two spots at 2-2. If the playoffs were today, Haralson and LaGrange would be the last two in with a .500 record in all of AAA. Central is .400 with their week three loss to Woodward Academy. However, Shaw is still in the hunt with a 1-3 region record, and hosting Central next week and Haralson in the finale. Five teams still battling for three playoff spots. I love this time of year.
Next up, the Grangers honor the seniors, and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the 2001 state championship. The opponent is the Columbus Blue Devils. Come out to Callaway Stadium and bring your radios. Airtime is 6:30 Thursday with kickoff at 7:00.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Carrollton 56 LaGrange 7
The Carrollton Trojans were held to ten points the previous week against the Troup Tigers. Like steam from a tea kettle, the Trojan offense was released on the Grangers resoundingly. Carrollton is the two time defending state champs in boy's track, and they made a track meet out of this football game.
Carrollton's opening drive went 56 yards in six plays, with Telvin Brown finding the end zone from 11 yards out. 7-0 early. A Granger punt gave the Trojans the ball at their own 42 yard line. Two plays later Desmond Addison scored on an eight yard run. 14-0 Trojans. LaGrange got a decent drive together going ten plays to their own 47, but Cole Kemp was called on to punt again. The Trojans' next drive took only two plays. A sixty yard run followed by a ten yard touchdown catch by DJ Johnson gave Carrollton a 21-0 lead. Demoton Boyd returned the ensuing kick to the Trojan 36. Two plays later Dee Gates made a 28 yard touchdown catch and the Grangers narrowed the Trojan lead 21-7. But that was as close as they would get.
The next Carrollton drive started at their own 32. The very next snap, Telvin Brown scampered 68 yards for his second touchdown. 28-7 Trojans. The teams exchanged punts, but Carrollton's first drive of the second quarter went 69 yards in 12 plays. A 17 yard touchdown run by Telvin Brown made the score 35-7. A mishandled kickoff return gave the Grangers the ball at their own three, and Kemp had to punt from the back of the end zone. Carrollton only needed to go 31 yards and they did so in two plays, the second a two yard run by DJ Jackson. 42-7. The Grangers went three and out and the Trojans offense added another score on a 44 yard drive. Josh Barge caught a five yard pass in the end zone to make the score 49-7.
The second half was quick under Georgia's mercy rule. The Grangers' opening drive started at their own 25 and went 12 plays, before they turned the ball over on downs at the Trojan 9. Carrollton then went 91 yards in 10 plays with Don Harris rushing in from the Granger 1 yard line. 56-7. The Grangers then went on a fifty yard drive in seven plays, but could not move the chains past the Carrollton 30. The Trojans just ran out the clock from there.
To say the next game is big is an understatement. If LaGrange loses to Central-Carroll Oct. 21st, they will likely not make the playoffs. We will have the in-stadium transmitter set to 100.9 FM again, so bring your radios. I'll see you at Roy Richards Memorial Stadium.
Carrollton's opening drive went 56 yards in six plays, with Telvin Brown finding the end zone from 11 yards out. 7-0 early. A Granger punt gave the Trojans the ball at their own 42 yard line. Two plays later Desmond Addison scored on an eight yard run. 14-0 Trojans. LaGrange got a decent drive together going ten plays to their own 47, but Cole Kemp was called on to punt again. The Trojans' next drive took only two plays. A sixty yard run followed by a ten yard touchdown catch by DJ Johnson gave Carrollton a 21-0 lead. Demoton Boyd returned the ensuing kick to the Trojan 36. Two plays later Dee Gates made a 28 yard touchdown catch and the Grangers narrowed the Trojan lead 21-7. But that was as close as they would get.
The next Carrollton drive started at their own 32. The very next snap, Telvin Brown scampered 68 yards for his second touchdown. 28-7 Trojans. The teams exchanged punts, but Carrollton's first drive of the second quarter went 69 yards in 12 plays. A 17 yard touchdown run by Telvin Brown made the score 35-7. A mishandled kickoff return gave the Grangers the ball at their own three, and Kemp had to punt from the back of the end zone. Carrollton only needed to go 31 yards and they did so in two plays, the second a two yard run by DJ Jackson. 42-7. The Grangers went three and out and the Trojans offense added another score on a 44 yard drive. Josh Barge caught a five yard pass in the end zone to make the score 49-7.
The second half was quick under Georgia's mercy rule. The Grangers' opening drive started at their own 25 and went 12 plays, before they turned the ball over on downs at the Trojan 9. Carrollton then went 91 yards in 10 plays with Don Harris rushing in from the Granger 1 yard line. 56-7. The Grangers then went on a fifty yard drive in seven plays, but could not move the chains past the Carrollton 30. The Trojans just ran out the clock from there.
To say the next game is big is an understatement. If LaGrange loses to Central-Carroll Oct. 21st, they will likely not make the playoffs. We will have the in-stadium transmitter set to 100.9 FM again, so bring your radios. I'll see you at Roy Richards Memorial Stadium.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Haralson County 27 LaGrange 21
The first trip to Haralson County since 2002 ended in the first ever loss to the Rebels, 27-21 Friday night. Haralson's opening drive resulted in a fumble on the second play and LaGrange only had to go 31 yards to score. A one yard run by Zach Giddens gave the Grangers an early 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged punts and LaGrange looked to have flipped the field well. But the Rebels' longest drive of the half went 81 yards in ten plays, the last a one yard run by Nii-Okai Reindorf and Haralson tied the game at 7. Giddens fumbled on the next drive and the Rebels capitalized with a 28 yard drive. It was Reindorf again, this time from 25 yards out and Haralson took a 14-7 lead. LaGrange had to punt, but on Haralson's next possession, Deshawdrick Varner intercepted a pass and ran it in for the touchdown, tying the game at 14. The teams exchanged fake punts that were ineffective, but the Rebels fumbled at the Granger 40. Five plays later, Quentin Jackson found Javon Cameron in the end zone and LaGrange took a 21-14 lead into the locker room.
LaGrange's first drive of the second half ended with Cole Kemp punting the ball away, but the Rebels muffed it. The Grangers took the ball at Haralson's 19, but could not do anything with it. The 30 yard field goal attempt by Kemp missed and the score remained 21-14 Grangers. But not for long. On haralson's very next drive, they went 80 yards in seven plays. Reindorf ran into the end zone from two yards out and the score became knotted at 21. LaGrange would punt, hold Haralson on downs and punt again. Then on third and ten from their own 19, Haralson would burn LaGrange deep. An 81 yard touchdown pass gave Haralson a 27-21 lead, but the PAT failed. LaGrange would get three more attempts to win. But the Rebels intercepted a pass and take it to the Granger six yard line. The Granger defense held firm and Haralson would miss a 23 yard field goal attempt. On the second play of the Grangers' next drive the ball hit the ground on a fumble and Haralson got the ball again. The Granger defense did their job, keeping the Rebels from getting a first down, so LaGrange had one more chance. The Grangers marched down to the Rebel 36 in eight plays but would get no farther, turning the ball over on downs with 43 seconds left in the game.
This was a very different game than any I have seen. Haralson County went 3-8 last year and played like they weren't confident they were going to win. The fans were quiet as if they were expecting the Rebels to blow it. But the Grangers played like they did not know how to finish the Rebels off. A touchdown after the muffed punt gives LaGrange a 14 point lead and the air is gone from Haralson County. But like Shaw did at Taylor Memorial Stadium last year, LaGrange let the Rebels hang around and the home team found a way to win. Next up, the Grangers travel to Grisham Stadium to face the Carrollton Trojans. I'll see you there.
LaGrange's first drive of the second half ended with Cole Kemp punting the ball away, but the Rebels muffed it. The Grangers took the ball at Haralson's 19, but could not do anything with it. The 30 yard field goal attempt by Kemp missed and the score remained 21-14 Grangers. But not for long. On haralson's very next drive, they went 80 yards in seven plays. Reindorf ran into the end zone from two yards out and the score became knotted at 21. LaGrange would punt, hold Haralson on downs and punt again. Then on third and ten from their own 19, Haralson would burn LaGrange deep. An 81 yard touchdown pass gave Haralson a 27-21 lead, but the PAT failed. LaGrange would get three more attempts to win. But the Rebels intercepted a pass and take it to the Granger six yard line. The Granger defense held firm and Haralson would miss a 23 yard field goal attempt. On the second play of the Grangers' next drive the ball hit the ground on a fumble and Haralson got the ball again. The Granger defense did their job, keeping the Rebels from getting a first down, so LaGrange had one more chance. The Grangers marched down to the Rebel 36 in eight plays but would get no farther, turning the ball over on downs with 43 seconds left in the game.
This was a very different game than any I have seen. Haralson County went 3-8 last year and played like they weren't confident they were going to win. The fans were quiet as if they were expecting the Rebels to blow it. But the Grangers played like they did not know how to finish the Rebels off. A touchdown after the muffed punt gives LaGrange a 14 point lead and the air is gone from Haralson County. But like Shaw did at Taylor Memorial Stadium last year, LaGrange let the Rebels hang around and the home team found a way to win. Next up, the Grangers travel to Grisham Stadium to face the Carrollton Trojans. I'll see you there.
Monday, September 26, 2011
LaGrange 9 Shaw 6
The Grangers' won a heart stopper, but the men in blue came out on top 9-6 over the Shaw raiders to cap off Homecoming Week Friday. It was a great way to "kick" off the region schedule.
The Raiders started out at the Granger 24, but could not get past the 37. The snap sailed over the punters head and LaGrange started their drive at the Raider 38. But the drive ended with a missed 41 yard field goal attempt and Shaw would start again at their 20. A three and out gave LaGrange the ball at the Raider 48, and they would convert. A 46 yard field goal off the foot of Cole Kemp was true and LaGrange took a 3-0 lead. Several punt exchanges later, LaGrange gave Shaw horrible field position, making the Raiders punt from their own 3. But with 6:34 to go in the half, Shaw intercepted a pass at their own 38. The Raiders would get points following the seven play drive on a quarterback sneak. The PAT failed and it was 6-3 Shaw. LaGrange fumbled on their next possession, but the defense held firm keeping Shaw from getting a first down. The half would end with LaGrange trailing 6-3.
The second half started out rough as the Grangers fumbled the ball away again. But the defense kept Shaw from getting a first down again. In fact Shaw would not move the chains at all this half until their last drive. LaGrange's second drive of the second half went 62 yards in 12 plays, but would stall at the Raider 10. Kemp would hit a 27 yard field goal and the game was knotted at 6. After another Raider three and out, LaGrange would engineer another 62 yard 12 play drive. A 26 yard field goal by Kemp split the uprights and the Grangers took a 9-6 lead. The teams exchanged punts twice each, and Shaw would have their best drive of the half. Starting at their own 9, the Raiders marched 88 yards in nine plays. But on fourth and goal from the three, and without a kicking game, Shaw would go for it and fall short.
LaGrange, Carrollton and Troup top the Region 6 standings at 1-0, followed by Central-Carroll at 0-0, and Shaw, Haralson County and Columbus at 0-1. Next up, the Grangers travel to Haralson County where they have not played since 2002. If you are heading to the game, our in-stadium transmitter will broadcast at 100.9 FM. I hope to see you there!
The Raiders started out at the Granger 24, but could not get past the 37. The snap sailed over the punters head and LaGrange started their drive at the Raider 38. But the drive ended with a missed 41 yard field goal attempt and Shaw would start again at their 20. A three and out gave LaGrange the ball at the Raider 48, and they would convert. A 46 yard field goal off the foot of Cole Kemp was true and LaGrange took a 3-0 lead. Several punt exchanges later, LaGrange gave Shaw horrible field position, making the Raiders punt from their own 3. But with 6:34 to go in the half, Shaw intercepted a pass at their own 38. The Raiders would get points following the seven play drive on a quarterback sneak. The PAT failed and it was 6-3 Shaw. LaGrange fumbled on their next possession, but the defense held firm keeping Shaw from getting a first down. The half would end with LaGrange trailing 6-3.
The second half started out rough as the Grangers fumbled the ball away again. But the defense kept Shaw from getting a first down again. In fact Shaw would not move the chains at all this half until their last drive. LaGrange's second drive of the second half went 62 yards in 12 plays, but would stall at the Raider 10. Kemp would hit a 27 yard field goal and the game was knotted at 6. After another Raider three and out, LaGrange would engineer another 62 yard 12 play drive. A 26 yard field goal by Kemp split the uprights and the Grangers took a 9-6 lead. The teams exchanged punts twice each, and Shaw would have their best drive of the half. Starting at their own 9, the Raiders marched 88 yards in nine plays. But on fourth and goal from the three, and without a kicking game, Shaw would go for it and fall short.
LaGrange, Carrollton and Troup top the Region 6 standings at 1-0, followed by Central-Carroll at 0-0, and Shaw, Haralson County and Columbus at 0-1. Next up, the Grangers travel to Haralson County where they have not played since 2002. If you are heading to the game, our in-stadium transmitter will broadcast at 100.9 FM. I hope to see you there!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Carver 26 LaGrange 8
The Grangers got to play in the same building that Chris Chandler, Jamal Anderson, Jessie Tuggle and Deion Sanders played in. And though they came up short in a game that was meaningless in the standings, they still gave a good show.
LaGrange started out slow with a three and out, followed by a 93 yard touchdown drive to Carver. Marquez Holloway scored on a 20 yard run and it was 7-0 Carver early. The rest of the first half saw every drive ending with a punt or turning the ball over on downs. LaGrange got into the Tiger red zone twice and Carver got into the Granger red zone once. But neither team came away with any more points in the first half.
Carver got out to a fast start in the second half, going 59 yards in their opening drive in four plays. Holloway again ran it in from 29 yards out and it was 13-0 Carver. After an exchange of punts, Carver got back on the board with a nine play, 80 yard drive capped off with a 14 yard TD catch by Artimas Samuel. 19-0 Carver. The Grangers had to punt, then both teams turned the ball over on downs. Then Carver would fumble the ball away at their own 22, recovered by Xavier Hatten. Two plays later Bennie Gray faked taking the handoff, the Tiger defense bit, and Zach Giddens walked into the end zone cutting the Granger deficit to 19-8 after teh two point conversion. But Carver would answer right back going 53 yards in only four plays. Brandon Thomas scored on a 32 yard run and the final score was 26-8.
The Grangers open region play at home Friday night against the 2-2 Shaw Raiders. Come on out to Callaway Stadium and bring your radios. Air time is 7:00 on WCJM 100.9 FM.
LaGrange started out slow with a three and out, followed by a 93 yard touchdown drive to Carver. Marquez Holloway scored on a 20 yard run and it was 7-0 Carver early. The rest of the first half saw every drive ending with a punt or turning the ball over on downs. LaGrange got into the Tiger red zone twice and Carver got into the Granger red zone once. But neither team came away with any more points in the first half.
Carver got out to a fast start in the second half, going 59 yards in their opening drive in four plays. Holloway again ran it in from 29 yards out and it was 13-0 Carver. After an exchange of punts, Carver got back on the board with a nine play, 80 yard drive capped off with a 14 yard TD catch by Artimas Samuel. 19-0 Carver. The Grangers had to punt, then both teams turned the ball over on downs. Then Carver would fumble the ball away at their own 22, recovered by Xavier Hatten. Two plays later Bennie Gray faked taking the handoff, the Tiger defense bit, and Zach Giddens walked into the end zone cutting the Granger deficit to 19-8 after teh two point conversion. But Carver would answer right back going 53 yards in only four plays. Brandon Thomas scored on a 32 yard run and the final score was 26-8.
The Grangers open region play at home Friday night against the 2-2 Shaw Raiders. Come on out to Callaway Stadium and bring your radios. Air time is 7:00 on WCJM 100.9 FM.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
LaGrange 35 Cedar Grove 34 in OT
The Cedar Grove Saints were ranked ninth in the AJC poll and tenth in the AP poll. But the Grangers were not intimidated, winning 35-34 in overtime at Panthersville Stadium Friday night.
LaGrange's opening drive stalled and Cole Kemp, in his first football game ever, was called in to punt for the first of six times. Cedar Grove started at their own 33, but in one play Marlon Coley raced 67 yards to the end zone. 6-0 Saints. The teams exchanged punts and Cedar Grove intercepted a pass and ran it in 10 yards for the score. the two-point conversion was good and it became 14-0 still in the first quarter. The two teams then got mired into 12 minutes of unproductive drives before LaGrange recovered a fumble at the Saint 20. The very next play saw Quentin Jackson connect with Dee Smith and the Grangers got on the board 14-7.
The second half was a bit more wild. A Cedar Grove three and out gave LaGrange the ball at their own 46. Nine plays later Javon Cameron pulled in a nine yard TD pass from Jackson and the game is tied at 14. Cedar Grove then fumbled the ball away and the Grangers set up shop at their own 33. Six plays later Demoton Boyd caught a 13 yard touchdown pass from Jackson and the Grangers took the lead 21-14. The Saints would answer going 65 yards in six plays, but the PAT failed. 21-20 LaGrange. Boyd would return the ensuing kickoff back around 80 yards and LaGrange extended the lead 28-20 to end the third quarter.
After Cedar Grove punted, LaGrange fumbled the ball and the Saints would capitalize. The 12 yard drive took only three plays, the last a nine yard touchdown pass to Coley. The two pint conversion worked and the game is tied at 28 at the end of regulation. Four turnovers in the game and all four resulted in touchdowns.
So to overtime we went. Cedar Grove took five plays to find the end zone with Coley carrying the ball in. With a woeful kicking game the Saints went for two. But the Granger defense held firm. 34-28 Saints. LaGrange started their overtime period and took only two plays. Demoton Boyd caught a pass in the flat and ran it in from seven yards out. At that point the Cedar Grove assistant coach in the booth next to me got up and left. He knew what was going to happen. Sophomore Ryan Stanford kicked his fifth PAT without a miss and the Granger win 35-34.
This was a huge confidence builder for the Grangers. They should have beaten Spalding last week. But mental mistakes and a good Jaguar team taking advantage of them kept LaGrange from getting the win. Not this time. The Grangers still made some mistakes but did not let the game get away from them. They stayed at it the full 48+ minutes and it paid off. Next up the first trip to the Georgia Dome since 2005. Wear your Granger blue and let's fill up the visiting side. These kids deserve your support.
LaGrange's opening drive stalled and Cole Kemp, in his first football game ever, was called in to punt for the first of six times. Cedar Grove started at their own 33, but in one play Marlon Coley raced 67 yards to the end zone. 6-0 Saints. The teams exchanged punts and Cedar Grove intercepted a pass and ran it in 10 yards for the score. the two-point conversion was good and it became 14-0 still in the first quarter. The two teams then got mired into 12 minutes of unproductive drives before LaGrange recovered a fumble at the Saint 20. The very next play saw Quentin Jackson connect with Dee Smith and the Grangers got on the board 14-7.
The second half was a bit more wild. A Cedar Grove three and out gave LaGrange the ball at their own 46. Nine plays later Javon Cameron pulled in a nine yard TD pass from Jackson and the game is tied at 14. Cedar Grove then fumbled the ball away and the Grangers set up shop at their own 33. Six plays later Demoton Boyd caught a 13 yard touchdown pass from Jackson and the Grangers took the lead 21-14. The Saints would answer going 65 yards in six plays, but the PAT failed. 21-20 LaGrange. Boyd would return the ensuing kickoff back around 80 yards and LaGrange extended the lead 28-20 to end the third quarter.
After Cedar Grove punted, LaGrange fumbled the ball and the Saints would capitalize. The 12 yard drive took only three plays, the last a nine yard touchdown pass to Coley. The two pint conversion worked and the game is tied at 28 at the end of regulation. Four turnovers in the game and all four resulted in touchdowns.
So to overtime we went. Cedar Grove took five plays to find the end zone with Coley carrying the ball in. With a woeful kicking game the Saints went for two. But the Granger defense held firm. 34-28 Saints. LaGrange started their overtime period and took only two plays. Demoton Boyd caught a pass in the flat and ran it in from seven yards out. At that point the Cedar Grove assistant coach in the booth next to me got up and left. He knew what was going to happen. Sophomore Ryan Stanford kicked his fifth PAT without a miss and the Granger win 35-34.
This was a huge confidence builder for the Grangers. They should have beaten Spalding last week. But mental mistakes and a good Jaguar team taking advantage of them kept LaGrange from getting the win. Not this time. The Grangers still made some mistakes but did not let the game get away from them. They stayed at it the full 48+ minutes and it paid off. Next up the first trip to the Georgia Dome since 2005. Wear your Granger blue and let's fill up the visiting side. These kids deserve your support.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Spalding 28 LaGrange 21
A mistake-filled evening cost the Grangers a win Thursday night at Callaway Stadium. Too many penalties and errors in judgment kept points from being scored on offense, and allowed points to be scored by the Jaguars.
The Grangers started out with a four-play drive that looked to stall at the midfield stripe. But a fake punt with Alex Edwards passing to Dee Smith for fifty yards gave LaGrange a 7-0 lead early. Spalding went three and out and the Grangers drove to the Jag 16 yard line. The field goal attempt missed and the score remained 7-0. The teams exchanged uneventful possessions for the rest of the half. In one of those possessions LaGrange got to the Spalding 20 but turned the ball over on downs. The Grangers went to the locker room ahead by just one touchdown.
Like LaGrange in the first half, Spalding came out in the first drive of the second half with points. A 57 yard drive in seven plays ended with a blocked field goal attempt. But quarterback/holder Powell Krepps recovered the ball and ran it in 23 yards for the score. 7-7 with 8:32 left in the third quarter. LaGrange's next drive stalled at Spalding's 23 and Alex Edwards missed his second field goal attempt of the night. The teams exchanged punts but Spalding had a return to the Granger 21. Five plays later Dylan Beauchamp took a pitch around the left side for a one yard TD run and Spalding saw their first lead at 14-7.
The Grangers answered on the very next drive going 71 yards in nine plays. Bennie Gray found the end zone from 11 yards out and the score was knotted at 14. Spalding had to punt the ball away and LaGrange got the momentum going again. Starting at their own 11 and aided by a 85 yard pass play from Quentin Jackson to Dee Smith, LaGrange scored on a three yard touchdown run by Bennie Gray. 21-14 good guys. The Jaguars answered right back with a big play of their own. On second down from their own 47, Krepps found Ronnie Owens on a 47 yard pass to the Granger 2 yard line. Krepps went in on the quarterback keeper on the next play and Spalding tied it up at 21.
The Grangers still had 1:31 to do something, but they would not get the ball back. On the kickoff the ball looked like it might go out of bounds, but was mishandled by a Granger. Spalding recovered at the Granger 14 and three plays later Jabril Reid would run in from 13 yards out. 28-21 with 10 seconds left to go in the game, and the Grangers did not have enough time to find the end zone.
LaGrange had around 500 yards of total offense, 300 passing and 200 rushing. The Jaguars only had around 100 yards passing and 115 yards rushing. But it is the points that count. Two missed field goals and Spalding getting two touchdowns on drives that started inside the Granger 25 was the difference in the game. The Jaguars finished 2010 3-7. But this year they will probably have their first winning record since 2003. LaGrange has a tougher opponent at Cedar Grove next week. They need to be ready.
The Grangers started out with a four-play drive that looked to stall at the midfield stripe. But a fake punt with Alex Edwards passing to Dee Smith for fifty yards gave LaGrange a 7-0 lead early. Spalding went three and out and the Grangers drove to the Jag 16 yard line. The field goal attempt missed and the score remained 7-0. The teams exchanged uneventful possessions for the rest of the half. In one of those possessions LaGrange got to the Spalding 20 but turned the ball over on downs. The Grangers went to the locker room ahead by just one touchdown.
Like LaGrange in the first half, Spalding came out in the first drive of the second half with points. A 57 yard drive in seven plays ended with a blocked field goal attempt. But quarterback/holder Powell Krepps recovered the ball and ran it in 23 yards for the score. 7-7 with 8:32 left in the third quarter. LaGrange's next drive stalled at Spalding's 23 and Alex Edwards missed his second field goal attempt of the night. The teams exchanged punts but Spalding had a return to the Granger 21. Five plays later Dylan Beauchamp took a pitch around the left side for a one yard TD run and Spalding saw their first lead at 14-7.
The Grangers answered on the very next drive going 71 yards in nine plays. Bennie Gray found the end zone from 11 yards out and the score was knotted at 14. Spalding had to punt the ball away and LaGrange got the momentum going again. Starting at their own 11 and aided by a 85 yard pass play from Quentin Jackson to Dee Smith, LaGrange scored on a three yard touchdown run by Bennie Gray. 21-14 good guys. The Jaguars answered right back with a big play of their own. On second down from their own 47, Krepps found Ronnie Owens on a 47 yard pass to the Granger 2 yard line. Krepps went in on the quarterback keeper on the next play and Spalding tied it up at 21.
The Grangers still had 1:31 to do something, but they would not get the ball back. On the kickoff the ball looked like it might go out of bounds, but was mishandled by a Granger. Spalding recovered at the Granger 14 and three plays later Jabril Reid would run in from 13 yards out. 28-21 with 10 seconds left to go in the game, and the Grangers did not have enough time to find the end zone.
LaGrange had around 500 yards of total offense, 300 passing and 200 rushing. The Jaguars only had around 100 yards passing and 115 yards rushing. But it is the points that count. Two missed field goals and Spalding getting two touchdowns on drives that started inside the Granger 25 was the difference in the game. The Jaguars finished 2010 3-7. But this year they will probably have their first winning record since 2003. LaGrange has a tougher opponent at Cedar Grove next week. They need to be ready.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Newnan 27, LaGrange 6
It wasn't the best of times nor the worst of times, but it was a tale of two halves. The Grangers lost to the 5A Newnan Cougars 27-6 Thursday night at Callaway Stadium. The first half the Grangers did not look very crisp, but in the second half they played much better.
Newnan's opening drive started inside Granger territory at the 48 yard line, but they went three and out punting the ball away. LaGrange fumbled the ball away on their first drive and Newnan started at the Granger 24. After another three and out, Newnan's field goal attempt went wide left. The next Granger drive stalled and after a punt Newnan started on their side of the 50. Eight plays and 58 yards later, Newnan scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Nick Smith to Jalen Bolton. 7-0 Newnan. After an exchange of punts the Grangers turned the ball over on an interception, giving the Cougars first and ten at the Granger 13 yard line. Two plays later Bryant Ball walked into the end zone and Newnan took a 13-0 lead. Another Granger three and out gave Newnan the ball at their own 31. Nine plays later Cody Darracot converted on a 56 yard pass play for a touchdown. 20-0 at the half. LaGrange then put together a nine play drive that stalled at the Cougar 41. Newnan tried one last drive, but missed on a 34 yard field goal attempt.
On one hand if Newnan converted the two field goals, they would have led 26-0. But if LaGrange had not turned the ball 13 yards from their own end zone, the halftime score could have been just 13-0.
The second half was much closer. LaGrange started at their own 20 and six plays later Dee Smith corralled a seven yard pass and ran another 65 yards to the end zone. The extra point was blocked and it was 20-6 Newnan. The next Newnan and Granger drives stalled and the Cougars then set up shop at their own 24. On the third play the ball popped loose, rolled a bit on the ground, then popped right up into the arms of Bryant Ball. That lucky bounce and Ball's athleticism resulted in a 71 yard touchdown for Newnan. 27-6 late in the third quarter. The two teams exchanged punts, Newnan coughed up the ball but LaGrange could not get points off that turnover. The game would end 27-6 Newnan.
The Grangers went to a spread, no huddle offense. The defense added another safety. Other than that you still have a bunch of talented players that flew to the ball and showed no quit. Once the chemistry sets in and the players get the reps in, the mistakes will get fewer.
Next week, the Grangers are back at Callaway Stadium to face Spalding. That will also be a Thursday night game. Kickoff is 7:00, air time on 100.9 FM, WCJM, The Bull is 6:30. We'll see you there.
Newnan's opening drive started inside Granger territory at the 48 yard line, but they went three and out punting the ball away. LaGrange fumbled the ball away on their first drive and Newnan started at the Granger 24. After another three and out, Newnan's field goal attempt went wide left. The next Granger drive stalled and after a punt Newnan started on their side of the 50. Eight plays and 58 yards later, Newnan scored on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Nick Smith to Jalen Bolton. 7-0 Newnan. After an exchange of punts the Grangers turned the ball over on an interception, giving the Cougars first and ten at the Granger 13 yard line. Two plays later Bryant Ball walked into the end zone and Newnan took a 13-0 lead. Another Granger three and out gave Newnan the ball at their own 31. Nine plays later Cody Darracot converted on a 56 yard pass play for a touchdown. 20-0 at the half. LaGrange then put together a nine play drive that stalled at the Cougar 41. Newnan tried one last drive, but missed on a 34 yard field goal attempt.
On one hand if Newnan converted the two field goals, they would have led 26-0. But if LaGrange had not turned the ball 13 yards from their own end zone, the halftime score could have been just 13-0.
The second half was much closer. LaGrange started at their own 20 and six plays later Dee Smith corralled a seven yard pass and ran another 65 yards to the end zone. The extra point was blocked and it was 20-6 Newnan. The next Newnan and Granger drives stalled and the Cougars then set up shop at their own 24. On the third play the ball popped loose, rolled a bit on the ground, then popped right up into the arms of Bryant Ball. That lucky bounce and Ball's athleticism resulted in a 71 yard touchdown for Newnan. 27-6 late in the third quarter. The two teams exchanged punts, Newnan coughed up the ball but LaGrange could not get points off that turnover. The game would end 27-6 Newnan.
The Grangers went to a spread, no huddle offense. The defense added another safety. Other than that you still have a bunch of talented players that flew to the ball and showed no quit. Once the chemistry sets in and the players get the reps in, the mistakes will get fewer.
Next week, the Grangers are back at Callaway Stadium to face Spalding. That will also be a Thursday night game. Kickoff is 7:00, air time on 100.9 FM, WCJM, The Bull is 6:30. We'll see you there.
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