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.