I have been blessed to have done the radio play by play for the LaGrange Grangers for ten football seasons. Throw in a few baseball seasons and one basketball game. Drew Champlin, who used to cover Troy athletics in the Dothan Eagle has pictures on his Facebook account of stadiums he has been to. I wish I had done that this past ten years. I may start next season.
But I got to thinking about places I have been to. Some have been memorable. Others were less so. I thought I'd put my observations down here. Forgive the cloudy memory of those I haven't been to in years.
Callaway Stadium, LaGrange - I love the view from the home booth. The lack of track makes us closer to the action. I loved it more before it was enclosed in glass. I didn't mind the cold and sometimes the rain. But when there is no window to open, I feel I'm broadcasting the game from inside a phone booth. We have to run a crowd microphone through the ceiling and set it on the roof. You still can't hear the crowd very well through it. Hopefully when (if?) a new press box is built on the other side, it will have windows that we can slide and fold open, giving us full access to the crowd cheering on the Grangers. The SprinTurf field will need replacing soon. But it beats the mud four teams would surely create with a grass field.
Drake Stadium, Newnan - The old Drake Stadium had two press boxes. A nice, air conditioned lower level, and a sweat box of an upper level. Their new stadium is nice. An elevator, the whole press box is air conditioned, even internet hard-wired in the walls. Of course with their local cable TV using the visitor's booth, we were relegated to being outside. But it was a covered area. The folks there are very nice and helpful. We had a great view of the game. A few times I have even been given a golf cart ride with the radio equipment from the parking lot to the press box!
Grisham Stadium, Carrollton - The new stadium has a college-like press box that is first rate. So is the food the media is provided. The old stadium allowed a crowd mic to be fed through a PVC pipe. The new stadium has no access for a crowd mic for the visitors. But the view is great, and the people are better. I love the fact we are given stats at the end of every quarter. I was asked to do the radio for their baseball semifinals a few years ago. Carrollton always treats me well, so I had no problem helping them out.
Kinnett Stadium, Columbus - A dump. To be fair, they have SPLOST money to upgrade their facilities and I look forward to when it happens. The new scoreboard looks good. The press box is old, the windows look like they haven't been washed since it was built, and the air conditioning blows hot air until the 4th quarter through September.
Memorial Stadium, Columbus - A very nice press box in a very old stadium. I love the feel for the whole building when we are there. It is rich with history without being run down. At around 13,000 seats, it would be the ideal place for a state championship game. The radio booths are a bit small, but overall one of my favorite places to call a game.
Tiger Stadium, Hamilton - I haven't been to the new stadium yet. But before a tornado tore up the area, we were put into a building we had to share with the coaches. Imagine then offensive coordinator David Trayor, then defensive coordinator Donnie Branch, Todd Willis and myself crammed together looking out the same window and hoping neither one of us cusses into a live microphone. Looking off to the left is a great view down the hill (mountain?) and over the trees, usually starting to turn colors. I look forward to being in their new digs in 2013.
West Thomas Stadium, Cairo - I would love to tell you how their press box was. From the outside it looked grand. The home side looked great as well. But as I was waiting for someone to unlock the door to get in, the Syrupmaker athletic director pointed across the way to an eight by twelve Cracker Jack box on the visitor's side and said I was to be over there. The visitor's side was, as I recall, about 12 rows high and goal line to goal line. When Marshall Sheppard ran down the near sideline in 2005, he disappeared near the 20 yard line behind the standing crowd. I didn't see if he got in or not. I asked "is he in, is he in?" A guy on the last row right in front of us turned around, looked at me, and threw his arms up to signal "touchdown." I took his word for it and gave the "give 'em six."
Bobby Gruhn Field at City Park, Gainesville - Another one of my favorite places I have been. If a new press box is built at Callaway Stadium, I would love for the Walt Snelling Press Box to be the template. Sliding glass doors to get in the booths. Windows that open to the crowd. Plenty of room. As I recall, there was little, if any, crown on the field. Just a great place to watch a football game, especially since the Grangers won a thriller there in 2005.
Herb St. John Stadium, Perry - Not one of my favorite places. The field looked like I had played golf on it. There were bad divots everywhere. They put us in the top of the middle section, right behind the clock operator and scoreboard operator. Immediately to their right was Perry's radio guys. I make no bones about the fact I pull for the Grangers, but I at least try to be professional about it. OK, I lost my cool at Chestatee once, but that is a rarity. Hearing Perry's radio crew gripe about every call that went against the Panthers made my ears bleed. The rollaway doors to get in the press box was an interesting touch.
Brad Henderson Stadium, Macon - Not much to say about this old stadium. While Tommy Traylor was doing the sideline interview, a police officer told us to hurry up and leave. "I'm not staying long to protect you," he said. As soon as the interview was done, we didn't even do the game recap. We wrapped it up and got gone.
North DeKalb Stadium, Chamblee - One-sided and old. Nothing else is memorable about it.
The Reservation, Toccoa - I liked the atmosphere there. That place is what small town Georgia high school football is all about. The press box was OK, but the whole experience was just fun. Great crowd, friendly fans, nice folks in the press box. Just an overall fun time there. Folks who know me know I do NOT like long drives. I did not like getting there. But I did like being there.
White County, Cleveland - They put us on the roof in 40 degree weather. They gave me a metal folding chair to sit on. I didn't notice much else except the cold being conducted through the chair and through my pants to my backside. I think it was one-sided.
Panthersville Stadium, Decatur - Not as bad as I thought it would be. Also one-sided. The main gate wasn't open when I arrived, but a side gate was. I had to walk down about 50 steps down the side of the stadium, then walk up what seemed like 35 rows to get to the press box. Thankfully, then #42 Quan Delaney offered to help me carry the 50 pounds of radio equipment up the stadium steps. I did not turn him down. The press box was complete open air with only a waist-high wall between the booths. I was sitting arms reach away from a Cedar Grove coordinator. I was hearing his exasperation several plays after Xavier Cooper dropped a pass 20 yards away from the closest defender.
Taylor Memorial Stadium, Haralson County - The only time I called a game from somewhere other than a press box. The athletic director said we would be in a "media area." It was a roped of section of the concourse in front of the concession/press box right behind the back row of stands. And it wasn't bad. It wasn't raining, We had good crowd noise as they were all around us and a great view of the field. Great fans who were appreciative of the team and the band.
Tiger Stadium, Fayetteville - The athletic director put us on the roof and told us we couldn't be near the middle. No problem, because in the middle was a big speaker. Out of that speaker came a loud voice of the public address announcer doing a lot more than PA guys are supposed to do. We were also treated to the rather animated antics of the Tiger head coach, who was on the roof as well.
War Eagle Stadium, Chestatee - We were on the far right on the upper part inside the press box, right behind the Granger coaches. So putting the crowd mic down there where the coaches' exclamations could be heard clearly was out of the question. A one-sided stadium, so using the sideline microphone as a crowd mic was also out of the question. So we made due. The scoreboard was behind the goal post to our right, so I had to move way over to the left see around the side wall of the press box. How do you not put the scoreboard beyond the corner of the field of a one-sided stadium? But they had Buffalo Wild Wings for the media. Any stadium that provides good food for the media can be forgiven for where they put the scoreboard.
Bowers and Painter Field, Rossville - This place had a rather blah press box, but the rest of the place was anything but. A beautiful field, picturesque facilities, and the cleanest bathrooms outside of Callaway Stadium. Like Toccoa, being in Rossville was much better than getting there.
Graham-Hixon Field at Colquitt Stadium, College Park - Like Bowers and Painter Field, Graham-Hixon is a beautiful place to watch a game. Nice turf and not a bad seat in the house nor in the press box.
As mentioned above, I look forward to the new stadium at Harris County. Plus we will make the trips to Alexander, The Battlefield and The Brickyard. There are other places I haven't been to but would like to go. Grady Stadium tops that list. I drove by there while in Atlanta one day. LaGrange would have played there if they had defeated White County. Calling a game from where Georgia and Auburn first played each other would be great. Also the Granite Bowl in Elberton and the House of Pain in Sandersville are two others I'd like to visit.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Ridgeland 41 LaGrange 34
The last time LaGrange played a team from Rossville, the game ended in a tie at the end of regulation. I was beginning to think the same was going to happen Friday night, despite the Grangers turning the ball over five times. But a sixth turnover doomed the Grangers and sent Ridgeland to the quarterfinals.
LaGrange's opening drive was an acting masterpiece. Dee Smith "cramped up" and limped off the field after the first snap. Demoton Boyd was then replaced by Benny Gray, but that would have left ten men on the field. Boyd went to the sideline but did not leave the field of play. The next snap, Boyd was uncovered and Giddens threw a touchdown pass to him. 7-0 Grangers. Ridgeland answered with a nine play, 65 yard drive. Vonn Bell ran in from 12 yards out and the score was tied 7-7. After a Benny Gray fumble, the Panthers started inside Granger territory at the 43. Five plays later Eric Bridges found the end zone from nine yards out. 14-7 Ridgeland. Dee Smith would fumble the ball away, but on the next drive he would recover a Ridgeland fumble. LaGrange then went three and out but Dee Smith would further atone for his miscue, recovering another Panther fumble. LaGrange would get points after this turnover, going 40 yards in ten plays. A one yard sweep by Boyd cut Ridgeland's lead to 14-13. The Panthers answered right back with a 71 yard drive to the Granger 33. The next play saw Bridges run those 33 yards for a touchdown. 21-13 Ridgeland. With only 4:22 left to go in the half, the Grangers drove 58 yards in 11 plays. Gray forced his way in from the two, and the two point conversion was good. The teams went to the locker room knotted at 21 each.
The Granger defense held Ridgeland to a three and out on the second half opening drive, but Zach Giddens threw an interception. Another Panther three and out ended with a bad snap and the punter had to cover the ball at his own 15. LaGrange could not get points as Giddens threw another interception on fourth down. Ridgeland benefitted by going 77 yards in seven plays with a seven yard touchdown run by Bridges. 28-21 Panthers. Another turnover by Giddens, this time a fumble of effort, gave the ball to Ridgeland at their own 47. Two plays later, Shaqualm McCoy ran into the end zone from 42 yards out. 35-21 Panthers. LaGrange responded quickly with a two play, 60 yard drive when Clete Miller caught a Giddens pass for a 20 yard touchdown. 35-28 Ridgeland. A 71 yard Panther drive ended when Bell rushed in from the Granger 21 and it was 41-28. The teams exchanged punts and the Grangers would score again. A 57 yard drive capped by a 33 yard touchdown catch from Giddens to Gray pulled the Grangers within a touchdown. 41-34 Ridgeland. The Panthers were forced to punt and LaGrange had 2:54 to go 80 yards. But on second down from the Panther 43, Giddens would throw a long pass intercepted by Dillon Peterman and Ridgeland would go to the third round with a 41-34 victory.
The Grangers finish the season 6-6, and 1-1 in the postseason. Thanks to the seniors for their hard work and dedication, leaving a good fighting spirit to build on for next year. Looking at the names of today's juniors, sophomores and freshmen, Granger football is in good hands. 2013 should be an even better year.
This was my tenth year announcing Granger football on the radio. Todd Willis and Tommy Whitworth are great folks to ride with and work with. I really appreciate LaGrange High allowing me to do this. I hope they will allow me to do this another ten years.
LaGrange's opening drive was an acting masterpiece. Dee Smith "cramped up" and limped off the field after the first snap. Demoton Boyd was then replaced by Benny Gray, but that would have left ten men on the field. Boyd went to the sideline but did not leave the field of play. The next snap, Boyd was uncovered and Giddens threw a touchdown pass to him. 7-0 Grangers. Ridgeland answered with a nine play, 65 yard drive. Vonn Bell ran in from 12 yards out and the score was tied 7-7. After a Benny Gray fumble, the Panthers started inside Granger territory at the 43. Five plays later Eric Bridges found the end zone from nine yards out. 14-7 Ridgeland. Dee Smith would fumble the ball away, but on the next drive he would recover a Ridgeland fumble. LaGrange then went three and out but Dee Smith would further atone for his miscue, recovering another Panther fumble. LaGrange would get points after this turnover, going 40 yards in ten plays. A one yard sweep by Boyd cut Ridgeland's lead to 14-13. The Panthers answered right back with a 71 yard drive to the Granger 33. The next play saw Bridges run those 33 yards for a touchdown. 21-13 Ridgeland. With only 4:22 left to go in the half, the Grangers drove 58 yards in 11 plays. Gray forced his way in from the two, and the two point conversion was good. The teams went to the locker room knotted at 21 each.
The Granger defense held Ridgeland to a three and out on the second half opening drive, but Zach Giddens threw an interception. Another Panther three and out ended with a bad snap and the punter had to cover the ball at his own 15. LaGrange could not get points as Giddens threw another interception on fourth down. Ridgeland benefitted by going 77 yards in seven plays with a seven yard touchdown run by Bridges. 28-21 Panthers. Another turnover by Giddens, this time a fumble of effort, gave the ball to Ridgeland at their own 47. Two plays later, Shaqualm McCoy ran into the end zone from 42 yards out. 35-21 Panthers. LaGrange responded quickly with a two play, 60 yard drive when Clete Miller caught a Giddens pass for a 20 yard touchdown. 35-28 Ridgeland. A 71 yard Panther drive ended when Bell rushed in from the Granger 21 and it was 41-28. The teams exchanged punts and the Grangers would score again. A 57 yard drive capped by a 33 yard touchdown catch from Giddens to Gray pulled the Grangers within a touchdown. 41-34 Ridgeland. The Panthers were forced to punt and LaGrange had 2:54 to go 80 yards. But on second down from the Panther 43, Giddens would throw a long pass intercepted by Dillon Peterman and Ridgeland would go to the third round with a 41-34 victory.
The Grangers finish the season 6-6, and 1-1 in the postseason. Thanks to the seniors for their hard work and dedication, leaving a good fighting spirit to build on for next year. Looking at the names of today's juniors, sophomores and freshmen, Granger football is in good hands. 2013 should be an even better year.
This was my tenth year announcing Granger football on the radio. Todd Willis and Tommy Whitworth are great folks to ride with and work with. I really appreciate LaGrange High allowing me to do this. I hope they will allow me to do this another ten years.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
LaGrange 59 Chestatee 46
As one who played defense, and takes blood pressure medication, I love the low scoring defensive games. Like Head Coach Donnie Branch, one of my favorite games was the 2003 quarterfinal against Swainsboro. 2-0 was the final score. At Chestatee's War Eagle Stadium Friday night, the Grangers gave up 46 points and won, scoring 59 along the way. Wore me out and I did nothing but talk on the radio.
The Grangers opening drive lasted one play, a 62 yard run by Demoton Boyd. A two point conversion gave the Grangers an 8-0 lead. Chestatee responded with a kickoff return to the LaGrange 34. After a Granger penalty, a 29 yard touchdown run by A.J. Sijiye and a two point conversion tied the game 8-8. LaGrange answered back with a 69 yard scoring run by Benny Gray. Four snaps and 86 seconds into the game it was 14-8 LaGrange. Chestatee turned the ball over on downs and the Grangers drove 61 yards in nine plays, ending with a two yard run by Gray for the touchdown. 21-8 LaGrange. The War Eagles answered with a nine play drive of their own going the full 80 yards. Quan Clark scored from 14 yards out. 21-15 Grangers. LaGrange then went 68 yards in five plays, with Gray scoring again from two yards out. 27-15 LaGrange.
There still was 11 minutes 32 seconds left to go in the first half.
Both teams turned the ball over on downs. Then on first down from the Chestatee 37, Joe Sanders ripped the ball away from the runningback and rumbled in for the touchdown. 35-15. Boyd would get his first interception of the night with a minute to go and the Grangers went into the locker room leading 35-15.
Chestatee opened the second half with a 63 yard drive. Quan Clark scampered in from 12 yards out for the TD and cut LaGrange's lead to 35-22. The Grangers' next drive stalled at the War Eagle 17, but they would still get points. Michael Ward nailed a 33 yard field goal, his first this season, to extend the Grangers' lead 38-22. The teams exchanged possessions and Clete Miller set up another score with a punt that went out of bounds inside the War Eagle 10. On third down and forced to pass, Demoton Boyd, #32, intercepted a pass at the 32 yard line and ran it in. 46-22 Grangers. Chestatee then scored on their next drive. The second play saw Jordan Degraff throw a 60 yard touchdown strike to Kelly Arthur. 46-30 LaGrange. The teams exchanged fumbles twice each before the Grangers scored again. A pass for zero yards from Zach Giddens resulted in an 87 yard touchdown as Dee Smith caught it and outran four defenders to the end zone. 52-30 Grangers. Chestatee then drove 63 yards and Quan Clark got another touchdown from 21 yards away. 52-38 LaGrange. The Grangers would punt again, and again Miller pinned the War Eagles inside their 10 yard line. And just like last time, Boyd picked a Degraff pass out of the air, this time at the midfield stripe and yet again ran it in for a touchdown. 59-38 Grangers. Chestatee would not go away as they drove 59 yards for another touchdown. Clark again, this time from 46 yards out and the Granger lead narrowed to 59-46. The onside kick was corralled by Dee Gates and the Grangers ran out the clock.
This was the first playoff win for the seniors. Hopefully it won't be the last. Now comes a historic rematch of sorts. LaGrange has never played Ridgeland. But Ridgeland is the product of a merger between Chattanooga Valley High and Rossville High. The Grangers' first state championship since the GHSA organized was a shared one when they tied Rossville 13-13 in 1955. That game was played in Rome. This one will be played at Bowers and Painter Field in Rossville, 177 miles away. If you can't make the game, listen on WCJM 100.9 FM, The Bull, or on line at www.lagrangefootball.com or www.wcjmthebull.com. If you do make the trip, set your radios to 101.3 FM in the stadium. Let's bring a big crowd. Holiday shopping can wait.
The Grangers opening drive lasted one play, a 62 yard run by Demoton Boyd. A two point conversion gave the Grangers an 8-0 lead. Chestatee responded with a kickoff return to the LaGrange 34. After a Granger penalty, a 29 yard touchdown run by A.J. Sijiye and a two point conversion tied the game 8-8. LaGrange answered back with a 69 yard scoring run by Benny Gray. Four snaps and 86 seconds into the game it was 14-8 LaGrange. Chestatee turned the ball over on downs and the Grangers drove 61 yards in nine plays, ending with a two yard run by Gray for the touchdown. 21-8 LaGrange. The War Eagles answered with a nine play drive of their own going the full 80 yards. Quan Clark scored from 14 yards out. 21-15 Grangers. LaGrange then went 68 yards in five plays, with Gray scoring again from two yards out. 27-15 LaGrange.
There still was 11 minutes 32 seconds left to go in the first half.
Both teams turned the ball over on downs. Then on first down from the Chestatee 37, Joe Sanders ripped the ball away from the runningback and rumbled in for the touchdown. 35-15. Boyd would get his first interception of the night with a minute to go and the Grangers went into the locker room leading 35-15.
Chestatee opened the second half with a 63 yard drive. Quan Clark scampered in from 12 yards out for the TD and cut LaGrange's lead to 35-22. The Grangers' next drive stalled at the War Eagle 17, but they would still get points. Michael Ward nailed a 33 yard field goal, his first this season, to extend the Grangers' lead 38-22. The teams exchanged possessions and Clete Miller set up another score with a punt that went out of bounds inside the War Eagle 10. On third down and forced to pass, Demoton Boyd, #32, intercepted a pass at the 32 yard line and ran it in. 46-22 Grangers. Chestatee then scored on their next drive. The second play saw Jordan Degraff throw a 60 yard touchdown strike to Kelly Arthur. 46-30 LaGrange. The teams exchanged fumbles twice each before the Grangers scored again. A pass for zero yards from Zach Giddens resulted in an 87 yard touchdown as Dee Smith caught it and outran four defenders to the end zone. 52-30 Grangers. Chestatee then drove 63 yards and Quan Clark got another touchdown from 21 yards away. 52-38 LaGrange. The Grangers would punt again, and again Miller pinned the War Eagles inside their 10 yard line. And just like last time, Boyd picked a Degraff pass out of the air, this time at the midfield stripe and yet again ran it in for a touchdown. 59-38 Grangers. Chestatee would not go away as they drove 59 yards for another touchdown. Clark again, this time from 46 yards out and the Granger lead narrowed to 59-46. The onside kick was corralled by Dee Gates and the Grangers ran out the clock.
This was the first playoff win for the seniors. Hopefully it won't be the last. Now comes a historic rematch of sorts. LaGrange has never played Ridgeland. But Ridgeland is the product of a merger between Chattanooga Valley High and Rossville High. The Grangers' first state championship since the GHSA organized was a shared one when they tied Rossville 13-13 in 1955. That game was played in Rome. This one will be played at Bowers and Painter Field in Rossville, 177 miles away. If you can't make the game, listen on WCJM 100.9 FM, The Bull, or on line at www.lagrangefootball.com or www.wcjmthebull.com. If you do make the trip, set your radios to 101.3 FM in the stadium. Let's bring a big crowd. Holiday shopping can wait.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Carrollton 41 LaGrange 14
As high school football games go, this one was a rollercoaster. The first quarter was a big uphill climb, the second quarter saw twists and turns, the third quarter saw one big twist and the fourth quarter saw the game slow down until it stopped. But we saw a lot of speed, mostly by a freshman. In the end, the Carrollton Trojans upended the Grangers 41-14.
Carrollton opened the game with a 66 yard drive that ended when Wil Garrett found the end zone and the Trojans bolted out to a 7-0 lead. Zach Giddens threw an interception and Carrollton only needed to go 23 yards to score. The Granger defense held firm, though, and the Trojans settled for a 38 yard field goal. 10-0 Trojans. A deep punt by Clete Miller pinned Carrollton to their own three yard line, but they would go the distance in only three plays. A 91 yard run by freshman Jarvis Terrell extended the Carrollton lead to 17-0 with 47 seconds left in the first quarter.
LaGrange answered with a big play of their own, finishing a 68 yard drive with a 65 yard touchdown catch from Giddens to Dee Gates and it was 17-7. The Grangers would force a Trojan fumble but they could not get points, having to punt the ball away. Miller got off another good one pinning Carrollton down to their own 13 yard line. But the Trojans would go on a long 12 play drive that went five and a half minutes. Malik Sheppard ended that drive from three yards away and Carrollton went up 24-7 with a minute to play in the half. LaGrange would not quit going 50 yards in three plays, capped by Dee Gates catching another Zach Giddens touchdown pass, this time from ten yards and it was 24-17 with 26 seconds left. But that was all Carrollton needed as they added a field goal as time expired. 27-17 at intermission.
LaGrange opened the third quarter big, marching from their own 28 to Carrollton's 17 in four plays. But Giddens threw another interception. Four plays later Trey Chivers ran into the end zone from 32 yards out. What could have been a 27-21 Trojan lead turned into a 34-14 lead. Another Granger punt caused Carrollton to scrimmage from their own 23 yard line. But the freshman Jarvis Terrell burned the Grangers again, this time for 77 yards and it was 41-14 Trojans. The two teams exchanged missed field goals and punts the rest of the way out, getting youngsters needed game time experience.
The win gives Carrollton the number two seed in Region 5-AAAA and a first round home game, probably against Stephens County. LaGrange finishes the regular season as the number three seed and will travel to Chestatee High School in Hall County. We'll be there and hope to see a good crowd in that one-sided stadium.
Carrollton opened the game with a 66 yard drive that ended when Wil Garrett found the end zone and the Trojans bolted out to a 7-0 lead. Zach Giddens threw an interception and Carrollton only needed to go 23 yards to score. The Granger defense held firm, though, and the Trojans settled for a 38 yard field goal. 10-0 Trojans. A deep punt by Clete Miller pinned Carrollton to their own three yard line, but they would go the distance in only three plays. A 91 yard run by freshman Jarvis Terrell extended the Carrollton lead to 17-0 with 47 seconds left in the first quarter.
LaGrange answered with a big play of their own, finishing a 68 yard drive with a 65 yard touchdown catch from Giddens to Dee Gates and it was 17-7. The Grangers would force a Trojan fumble but they could not get points, having to punt the ball away. Miller got off another good one pinning Carrollton down to their own 13 yard line. But the Trojans would go on a long 12 play drive that went five and a half minutes. Malik Sheppard ended that drive from three yards away and Carrollton went up 24-7 with a minute to play in the half. LaGrange would not quit going 50 yards in three plays, capped by Dee Gates catching another Zach Giddens touchdown pass, this time from ten yards and it was 24-17 with 26 seconds left. But that was all Carrollton needed as they added a field goal as time expired. 27-17 at intermission.
LaGrange opened the third quarter big, marching from their own 28 to Carrollton's 17 in four plays. But Giddens threw another interception. Four plays later Trey Chivers ran into the end zone from 32 yards out. What could have been a 27-21 Trojan lead turned into a 34-14 lead. Another Granger punt caused Carrollton to scrimmage from their own 23 yard line. But the freshman Jarvis Terrell burned the Grangers again, this time for 77 yards and it was 41-14 Trojans. The two teams exchanged missed field goals and punts the rest of the way out, getting youngsters needed game time experience.
The win gives Carrollton the number two seed in Region 5-AAAA and a first round home game, probably against Stephens County. LaGrange finishes the regular season as the number three seed and will travel to Chestatee High School in Hall County. We'll be there and hope to see a good crowd in that one-sided stadium.
Friday, November 2, 2012
LaGrange 35 Troup 20
"The world is again spinning on its axis correctly." OK, so the words of Eli Gold is overstating it a bit. But the Grangers ended the only winning streak Troup had against LaGrange Friday night, beating the Tigers 35-20 at Callaway Stadium.
Troup brought the two-game streak to Callaway Stadium and started strong, taking their first drive 53 yards in eight plays. Daryl Dunlap found the end zone from 14 yards out and it was 6-0 Troup early. But the Grangers would answer with a six play, 76 yard drive of their own, ending when Zach Giddens ran it in from 10 yards out. Michael Ward hit the extra point and LaGrange went up 7-6.
It was a lead the Grangers would not relinquish.
Emmanuel Swanson recovered a pooch kick and LaGrange only had to go 37 yards to find the end zone. Dee Smith did just that from 29 yards out on the second play when he caught a Giddens pass. 14-6 Grangers. A Troup three and out led to a Granger 78 yard drive. Demoton Boyd rushe in from the three yard line. 21-6 Grangers. The teams exchanged possessions but Troup had to punt from their five yard line, giving the Grangers the ball at the Tigers' 37. Four plays later Travone Rivers caught a two yard scoring pass from Giddens and the Grangers would lead 28-6 at intermission.
The Grangers' opening drive of the second half went 69 yards. Boyd scored on a 21 yard sweep and LaGrange led 35-6. After a Troup punt, Giddens lost the handle on the ball and Maurice Swain rumbled in from 40 yards out. The two pint conversion was good and the Grangers lead narrowed to 35-14. The teams exchanged punts and turnovers and Troup got one more chance down three scores. Malcolm Tatum caught a 29 yard pass from Will Smith in the end zone and LaGrange led 35-20. The Grangers were able to run the final three minutes 45 seconds off the clock.
The win and Sandy Creek defeating Carrollton sets up a big game next Thursday night at Callaway Stadium. While the Patriots locked up the region championship, Carrollton and LaGrange play for the number two seed and home field for the first round of the playoffs. WCJM 100.9 FM The Bull will be on the air at 6:30pm Thursday with kickoff at 7:00. We'll see you at Callaway Stadium.
Troup brought the two-game streak to Callaway Stadium and started strong, taking their first drive 53 yards in eight plays. Daryl Dunlap found the end zone from 14 yards out and it was 6-0 Troup early. But the Grangers would answer with a six play, 76 yard drive of their own, ending when Zach Giddens ran it in from 10 yards out. Michael Ward hit the extra point and LaGrange went up 7-6.
It was a lead the Grangers would not relinquish.
Emmanuel Swanson recovered a pooch kick and LaGrange only had to go 37 yards to find the end zone. Dee Smith did just that from 29 yards out on the second play when he caught a Giddens pass. 14-6 Grangers. A Troup three and out led to a Granger 78 yard drive. Demoton Boyd rushe in from the three yard line. 21-6 Grangers. The teams exchanged possessions but Troup had to punt from their five yard line, giving the Grangers the ball at the Tigers' 37. Four plays later Travone Rivers caught a two yard scoring pass from Giddens and the Grangers would lead 28-6 at intermission.
The Grangers' opening drive of the second half went 69 yards. Boyd scored on a 21 yard sweep and LaGrange led 35-6. After a Troup punt, Giddens lost the handle on the ball and Maurice Swain rumbled in from 40 yards out. The two pint conversion was good and the Grangers lead narrowed to 35-14. The teams exchanged punts and turnovers and Troup got one more chance down three scores. Malcolm Tatum caught a 29 yard pass from Will Smith in the end zone and LaGrange led 35-20. The Grangers were able to run the final three minutes 45 seconds off the clock.
The win and Sandy Creek defeating Carrollton sets up a big game next Thursday night at Callaway Stadium. While the Patriots locked up the region championship, Carrollton and LaGrange play for the number two seed and home field for the first round of the playoffs. WCJM 100.9 FM The Bull will be on the air at 6:30pm Thursday with kickoff at 7:00. We'll see you at Callaway Stadium.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Sandy Creek 47 LaGrange 13
LaGrange played the best team in the state Friday night at Callaway Stadium. The consensus #1 Sandy Creek Patriots showed why they top the rankings as they defeated the Grangers 47-13.
Sandy Creek's opening drive went 60 yards ending with a 13 yard touchdown catch from Cole Garvin to Demarre Kitt. Clete Miller fumbled on the Grangers first drive and the Patriots took advantage, scoring on a nine yard run by Maceo Brown. 13-0 Creek. Demonton Boyd answered back with a 97 yard kickoff return and the Grangers cut their deficit 13-6. The Patriots responded with a three play, 52 yard drive when Eric Swinney ran in from 28 yards out. 20-6. LaGrange punted for the first time and Creek extended their lead then Swinney had an 11 yard touchdown run capping a 72 yard drive. 27-6 Sandy Creek. The Grangers finished the first half scoring by converting a third and eight with a 78 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Travone Rivers. 27-13 at the half.
The Grangers' first drive of the second half stalled at their own 37 and punted the ball away. Creek then drove 65 yards in eight plays ending when Swinney rushed six yards into the end zone. 33-13 Sandy Creek. LaGrange drove down to the Patriot 23, but missed a 40 yard field goal just wide left. The Patriots them marched 80 yards, finishing with a four yard touchdown run by Delvin Weems. 40-13 Creek. The teams exchanged ineffective drives and Sandy Creek closed out the scoring with a 74 yard drive. The seventh play was a three yard run into the end zone by Brown and Creek would go on to win 47-13.
The Grangers will not play a better team than Sandy Creek this season. But next week a very interesting night of football takes place. Sandy Creek and Carrollton are 5-0 and play each other next week. LaGrange and Troup are 3-2 and play each other next week. Fayette County and Shaw are 2-3 and play each other next week. And Columbus and Alexander are 0-5 and also play each other next week. The Grangers could still finish second or could finish out of the playoffs. The next two weeks will tell the tale. Airtime for LaGrange-Troup is 7:00 on WCJM 100.9 FM the Bull.
Sandy Creek's opening drive went 60 yards ending with a 13 yard touchdown catch from Cole Garvin to Demarre Kitt. Clete Miller fumbled on the Grangers first drive and the Patriots took advantage, scoring on a nine yard run by Maceo Brown. 13-0 Creek. Demonton Boyd answered back with a 97 yard kickoff return and the Grangers cut their deficit 13-6. The Patriots responded with a three play, 52 yard drive when Eric Swinney ran in from 28 yards out. 20-6. LaGrange punted for the first time and Creek extended their lead then Swinney had an 11 yard touchdown run capping a 72 yard drive. 27-6 Sandy Creek. The Grangers finished the first half scoring by converting a third and eight with a 78 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Travone Rivers. 27-13 at the half.
The Grangers' first drive of the second half stalled at their own 37 and punted the ball away. Creek then drove 65 yards in eight plays ending when Swinney rushed six yards into the end zone. 33-13 Sandy Creek. LaGrange drove down to the Patriot 23, but missed a 40 yard field goal just wide left. The Patriots them marched 80 yards, finishing with a four yard touchdown run by Delvin Weems. 40-13 Creek. The teams exchanged ineffective drives and Sandy Creek closed out the scoring with a 74 yard drive. The seventh play was a three yard run into the end zone by Brown and Creek would go on to win 47-13.
The Grangers will not play a better team than Sandy Creek this season. But next week a very interesting night of football takes place. Sandy Creek and Carrollton are 5-0 and play each other next week. LaGrange and Troup are 3-2 and play each other next week. Fayette County and Shaw are 2-3 and play each other next week. And Columbus and Alexander are 0-5 and also play each other next week. The Grangers could still finish second or could finish out of the playoffs. The next two weeks will tell the tale. Airtime for LaGrange-Troup is 7:00 on WCJM 100.9 FM the Bull.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Fayette County 38 LaGrange 35 in OT
In a game that saw ten touchdowns, eight in the second half, this game came down to a field goal. Fayette County got their second win of the season at Tiger Stadium 38-35 in overtime Friday night. Down 35-14 at one point, the Grangers battled back but still fell short.
LaGrange's opening drive did not see a first down and the Grangers punted the ball away. But the return was fumbled, picked up by a Granger but not fully controlled. The ball came loose again and recovered by the Tigers at the Granger six yard line. It only took two plays for the Tigers to score when Jason Williams ran in from a yard out. 7-0 Tigers. After another Granger punt, Fayette County went the distance again. This time a 55 yard drive in six plays ended with another one yard touchdown run by Williams. 14-0 Fayette County. A Granger fumble led to a 16 play drive by the Tigers that ate up 7:12 but they would turn the ball over on downs. Neither team scored the rest of the half and it was 14-0 Fayette County at intermission.
Then the fireworks started.
On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, the Tigers fumbled and the Grangers capitalized. A 62 yard drive was finished with a 40 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Dee Smith. 14-7 Fayette. But the Tigers answered with a 45 yard drive of their own that ended with a 35 yard scoring run by Vincent Bey. 21-7 Fayette. LaGrange answered back with an 80 yard drive of their own. Demonton Boyd caught a pass from Giddens in the end zone from 14 yards. 21-14 Fayette County not even halfway through the third quarter. Fayette then put together a 63 yard drive that took 5:26. On fourth down a fake punt saw Montrell Kelley get in the end zone from 42 yards out. 28-14 Tigers. Giddens threw an interception and the Tigers drove only 39 yards. Williams snuck in from two yards out and it became 31-14 Fayette County.
During that drive there was a delay of around 30 minutes as Dazmon Dunlap was carted off the field and taken to an ambulance. While riding to Grady hospital, Daz was moving his legs and squeezing hands, according to reports. Great news as it was a scary situation. I don't know who that PA announcer was, but he was loud and annoying. But while Daz was on the field and then taken off the field, that announcer was very classy.
LaGrange's first drive of the fourth quarter saw the Grangers go 69 yards in eight plays. A nine yard Demonton Boyd catch and run into the end zone cut the Tigers lead to 35-21. Another Fayette fumble gave LaGrange the ball at the Granger 38. Five plays later Dee Smith caught a Giddens pass and forced himself into the end zone from 12 yards out. 35-28 Tigers. Fayette goes three and out and the Grangers started at their own 31. The first play from scrimmage was a Utah pass to Clete Miller all the way down to thee Tiger five yard line. Four plays later Boyd found the end zone again and we ere tied at 35, and that would be the score at the end of regulation. LaGrange would miss a 36 yard field goal in the top of the first overtime and Erik Garduno connected from 25 yards out to give the Tigers a 38-35 win.
Injuries to Dazmon Dunlap, Chris Manning and Bennie Gray kept them from finishing the game. But what also hurt were two players being dismissed from the team who would have been big helps Friday night. Their actions not only hurt themselves, but also hurt their teammates who depended on them. Hopefully they will learn from this and work on being better people first, and then work on being better football players second.
Sandy Creek and Carrollton lead the region at 4-0, with LaGrange at 3-1. Fayette County improves to 2-2 and tied with Troup for fourth. That makes the game next week between those two teams of Tigers a whole lot more interesting. The Grangers next host Sandy Creek next Friday night in a key region game. Airtime on WCJM 100.9 FM is 7:00.
LaGrange's opening drive did not see a first down and the Grangers punted the ball away. But the return was fumbled, picked up by a Granger but not fully controlled. The ball came loose again and recovered by the Tigers at the Granger six yard line. It only took two plays for the Tigers to score when Jason Williams ran in from a yard out. 7-0 Tigers. After another Granger punt, Fayette County went the distance again. This time a 55 yard drive in six plays ended with another one yard touchdown run by Williams. 14-0 Fayette County. A Granger fumble led to a 16 play drive by the Tigers that ate up 7:12 but they would turn the ball over on downs. Neither team scored the rest of the half and it was 14-0 Fayette County at intermission.
Then the fireworks started.
On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, the Tigers fumbled and the Grangers capitalized. A 62 yard drive was finished with a 40 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Dee Smith. 14-7 Fayette. But the Tigers answered with a 45 yard drive of their own that ended with a 35 yard scoring run by Vincent Bey. 21-7 Fayette. LaGrange answered back with an 80 yard drive of their own. Demonton Boyd caught a pass from Giddens in the end zone from 14 yards. 21-14 Fayette County not even halfway through the third quarter. Fayette then put together a 63 yard drive that took 5:26. On fourth down a fake punt saw Montrell Kelley get in the end zone from 42 yards out. 28-14 Tigers. Giddens threw an interception and the Tigers drove only 39 yards. Williams snuck in from two yards out and it became 31-14 Fayette County.
During that drive there was a delay of around 30 minutes as Dazmon Dunlap was carted off the field and taken to an ambulance. While riding to Grady hospital, Daz was moving his legs and squeezing hands, according to reports. Great news as it was a scary situation. I don't know who that PA announcer was, but he was loud and annoying. But while Daz was on the field and then taken off the field, that announcer was very classy.
LaGrange's first drive of the fourth quarter saw the Grangers go 69 yards in eight plays. A nine yard Demonton Boyd catch and run into the end zone cut the Tigers lead to 35-21. Another Fayette fumble gave LaGrange the ball at the Granger 38. Five plays later Dee Smith caught a Giddens pass and forced himself into the end zone from 12 yards out. 35-28 Tigers. Fayette goes three and out and the Grangers started at their own 31. The first play from scrimmage was a Utah pass to Clete Miller all the way down to thee Tiger five yard line. Four plays later Boyd found the end zone again and we ere tied at 35, and that would be the score at the end of regulation. LaGrange would miss a 36 yard field goal in the top of the first overtime and Erik Garduno connected from 25 yards out to give the Tigers a 38-35 win.
Injuries to Dazmon Dunlap, Chris Manning and Bennie Gray kept them from finishing the game. But what also hurt were two players being dismissed from the team who would have been big helps Friday night. Their actions not only hurt themselves, but also hurt their teammates who depended on them. Hopefully they will learn from this and work on being better people first, and then work on being better football players second.
Sandy Creek and Carrollton lead the region at 4-0, with LaGrange at 3-1. Fayette County improves to 2-2 and tied with Troup for fourth. That makes the game next week between those two teams of Tigers a whole lot more interesting. The Grangers next host Sandy Creek next Friday night in a key region game. Airtime on WCJM 100.9 FM is 7:00.
Friday, October 12, 2012
LaGrange 42 Alexander 28
The Grangers held on to defeat Alexander at Callaway Stadium Friday night, 42-28. LaGrange outscored the Cougars 28-0 in the first half, but Alexander in turn outscored the Grangers 28-14 in the second half.
Both teams exchanged punts to open the game, but LaGrange got on the board first with a 57 yard, eight play drive when Zach Giddens scampered in from 12 yards out. 7-0 Grangers. After a Cougar punt, LaGrange went 66 yards in only five plays. Dee Smith caught a 40 yard scoring pass and it was 14-0. Qua Baldwin intercepted a pass and the Grangers got down to the Cougar 3 yard line. But a bad snap turned the ball over to Alexander at their own 20. The Cougars returned the favor with a high snap and the Grangers recovered at their own 23. 77 yards and nine plays later, Demoton Boyd ran it in from 15 yards out. 21-0 Grangers. After a Xavier Hatten interception to the Cougar 8, the Grangers would cap their first half scoring with a 10 yard touchdown run by Zach Giddens. 28-0 LaGrange at intermission.
Alexander would open the third quarter with the longest drive of the night. A 75 yard drive in 14 plays took a full six minutes ending when Brian Dansereau ran into the end zone from six yards out. 28-7 Grangers. LaGrange answered back with a 20 yard touchdown catch by Bennie Gray pushing the Granger lead to 35-7. After a Cougar punt, LaGrange would have a three play drive going 74 yards. The last play was a 36 yard touchdown run by Demoton Boyd. 42-7 LaGrange. But Alexander would not give up.
A 61 yard Cougar drive ended by a 39 yard touchdown run by Mikell Lands. 42-14 LaGrange with 18 seconds left in the third. I think LaGrange was going after the mercy rule as they threw the next three plays. But the third was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. 42-21 as the third quarter expired. Boyd would fumble in the next drive, but Alexander turned the ball over on downs. Bennie Gray would fumble and Alexander would have a 50 yard drive. From the midfield stripe, a halfback pass got the Cougars to the Granger eight, followed by a three yard touchdown run by Lands. 42-28 Grangers. The Grangers settled down and took back over with 6:52 to go in the game and turned the ball over on downs with 1:26 left in the contest. That was not enough for the Cougars to do anything and the Grangers won 42-28.
Alexander dropped to 0-6 but they never quit against LaGrange. The Grangers are still undefeated in region play and face Fayette County next Friday. Bring your radios. LaGrangefootball.com will have the in-stadium frequency late next week.
Both teams exchanged punts to open the game, but LaGrange got on the board first with a 57 yard, eight play drive when Zach Giddens scampered in from 12 yards out. 7-0 Grangers. After a Cougar punt, LaGrange went 66 yards in only five plays. Dee Smith caught a 40 yard scoring pass and it was 14-0. Qua Baldwin intercepted a pass and the Grangers got down to the Cougar 3 yard line. But a bad snap turned the ball over to Alexander at their own 20. The Cougars returned the favor with a high snap and the Grangers recovered at their own 23. 77 yards and nine plays later, Demoton Boyd ran it in from 15 yards out. 21-0 Grangers. After a Xavier Hatten interception to the Cougar 8, the Grangers would cap their first half scoring with a 10 yard touchdown run by Zach Giddens. 28-0 LaGrange at intermission.
Alexander would open the third quarter with the longest drive of the night. A 75 yard drive in 14 plays took a full six minutes ending when Brian Dansereau ran into the end zone from six yards out. 28-7 Grangers. LaGrange answered back with a 20 yard touchdown catch by Bennie Gray pushing the Granger lead to 35-7. After a Cougar punt, LaGrange would have a three play drive going 74 yards. The last play was a 36 yard touchdown run by Demoton Boyd. 42-7 LaGrange. But Alexander would not give up.
A 61 yard Cougar drive ended by a 39 yard touchdown run by Mikell Lands. 42-14 LaGrange with 18 seconds left in the third. I think LaGrange was going after the mercy rule as they threw the next three plays. But the third was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. 42-21 as the third quarter expired. Boyd would fumble in the next drive, but Alexander turned the ball over on downs. Bennie Gray would fumble and Alexander would have a 50 yard drive. From the midfield stripe, a halfback pass got the Cougars to the Granger eight, followed by a three yard touchdown run by Lands. 42-28 Grangers. The Grangers settled down and took back over with 6:52 to go in the game and turned the ball over on downs with 1:26 left in the contest. That was not enough for the Cougars to do anything and the Grangers won 42-28.
Alexander dropped to 0-6 but they never quit against LaGrange. The Grangers are still undefeated in region play and face Fayette County next Friday. Bring your radios. LaGrangefootball.com will have the in-stadium frequency late next week.
Friday, October 5, 2012
LaGrange 41 Columbus 7
The first half was as lopsided as the second half was fast. The Grangers upended Columbus 41-7 Thursday night at Kinnett Stadium. It was a good all around game against an admittedly overmatched Blue Devil team.
LaGrange received the opening kick, and that drive lasted two plays. A 55 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Dee Smith gave the Grangers a 7-0 lead 34 seconds into the game. Smith then intercepted a pass from Derrick James, and LaGrange started at the Blue Devil 38. Four plays later Demoton Boyd scored on a one yard sweep and it was 14-0 after three minutes of play. Columbus fumbled the kickoff return and Smith recovered it. However, Giddens threw an interception on the very next play to Ivan Rome, but the Blue Devils could not get a first down. After the punt, LaGrange engineered a three play, 59 yard drive ending with a 42 yard touchdown run by Mon Denson. 21-0 Grangers. After a Columbus punt, Ivan Rome intercepted a second Giddens pass, this one tipped, but again the Blue Devils came up empty. The Granger offense settled down and would not turn the ball over again. Their last three drives ended in touchdowns. A 20 yard scoring catch by Dee Smith, a 22 yard touchdown catch by Demoton Boyd and a 12 yard catch in the end zone by Dee gates gave the Grangers a 41-0 lead at the half.
By my math, the Granger defense held Columbus to one first down, that by way of penalty, and negative 40 yards total offense in the first half.
The second half flew by with the mercy rule. The only score was when Columbus went 63 yards in four plays, finishing with a two yard touchdown run by the sophomore Dale Williams, Jr.
The Grangers come back home to Callaway Stadium next Friday against the Alexander Cougars. Come on out and bring your radios. Airtime on 100.9FM The Bull is 7:00.
LaGrange received the opening kick, and that drive lasted two plays. A 55 yard touchdown catch from Zach Giddens to Dee Smith gave the Grangers a 7-0 lead 34 seconds into the game. Smith then intercepted a pass from Derrick James, and LaGrange started at the Blue Devil 38. Four plays later Demoton Boyd scored on a one yard sweep and it was 14-0 after three minutes of play. Columbus fumbled the kickoff return and Smith recovered it. However, Giddens threw an interception on the very next play to Ivan Rome, but the Blue Devils could not get a first down. After the punt, LaGrange engineered a three play, 59 yard drive ending with a 42 yard touchdown run by Mon Denson. 21-0 Grangers. After a Columbus punt, Ivan Rome intercepted a second Giddens pass, this one tipped, but again the Blue Devils came up empty. The Granger offense settled down and would not turn the ball over again. Their last three drives ended in touchdowns. A 20 yard scoring catch by Dee Smith, a 22 yard touchdown catch by Demoton Boyd and a 12 yard catch in the end zone by Dee gates gave the Grangers a 41-0 lead at the half.
By my math, the Granger defense held Columbus to one first down, that by way of penalty, and negative 40 yards total offense in the first half.
The second half flew by with the mercy rule. The only score was when Columbus went 63 yards in four plays, finishing with a two yard touchdown run by the sophomore Dale Williams, Jr.
The Grangers come back home to Callaway Stadium next Friday against the Alexander Cougars. Come on out and bring your radios. Airtime on 100.9FM The Bull is 7:00.
Friday, September 28, 2012
LaGrange 31 Shaw 14
The Grangers got a good first region win defeating the Shaw Raiders 31-14 Friday night at Callaway Stadium. Two of the five teams that will be in the running for the four playoff spots makes for an important game, and the Grangers now have a leg up early on.
Shaw's first drive ended when Chandler Whittlesey fumbled, but the Grangers could not convert the miscue to points. Taylor Stanford's 20 yard field goal went wide left and Shaw dodged a bullet. The Raiders' next drive went the full 80 yards in 16 plays ending with Whittlesey sneaking in from a yard out. 7-0 Shaw. The teams traded ineffective drives, but Shaw's fourth drive was costly. A intentional grounding call set up a safety when a host of Grangers brought Whittlesey down in the end zone. 7-2 Shaw. The ensuing kickoff started the Grangers' drive at the Shaw 45. Five plays later, Demoton Boyd scores from three yards out. Benny Gray caught the two-point conversion and LaGrange goes up 10-7 at the half.
The second half saw the Grangers make adjustments and Shaw just couldn't keep up. LaGrange's opening drive went 59 yards in eight plays, ending with a 17 yard touchdown pass from Zach Giddens to Corey Perkins. 17-7 Grangers. After a Shaw 3 and out, the Grangers started at their own 48. The first snap saw Bennie Gray scamper 52 yards for a touchdown. 24-7 LaGrange. Another Shaw punt gave LaGrange the ball at their own 23. On the fifth play, Giddens found Travone Rivers in the end zone from 16 yards out. 31=7 Good Guys. After an exchange of punts, Shaw got on the board again. A 77 yard drive in 13 plays finished with a Whittlesey pass for a touchdown, but that was all they could muster. 31-14 was the final score.
A good win against a team that will probably make the playoffs. It was good to see Mon Denson back, as he was missed last week. Hopefully we will see Dee Gates back next week. The Grangers next play at Kinnett Stadium next Thursday against the Columbus Blue Devils. Here is to a 2-0 region start.
Shaw's first drive ended when Chandler Whittlesey fumbled, but the Grangers could not convert the miscue to points. Taylor Stanford's 20 yard field goal went wide left and Shaw dodged a bullet. The Raiders' next drive went the full 80 yards in 16 plays ending with Whittlesey sneaking in from a yard out. 7-0 Shaw. The teams traded ineffective drives, but Shaw's fourth drive was costly. A intentional grounding call set up a safety when a host of Grangers brought Whittlesey down in the end zone. 7-2 Shaw. The ensuing kickoff started the Grangers' drive at the Shaw 45. Five plays later, Demoton Boyd scores from three yards out. Benny Gray caught the two-point conversion and LaGrange goes up 10-7 at the half.
The second half saw the Grangers make adjustments and Shaw just couldn't keep up. LaGrange's opening drive went 59 yards in eight plays, ending with a 17 yard touchdown pass from Zach Giddens to Corey Perkins. 17-7 Grangers. After a Shaw 3 and out, the Grangers started at their own 48. The first snap saw Bennie Gray scamper 52 yards for a touchdown. 24-7 LaGrange. Another Shaw punt gave LaGrange the ball at their own 23. On the fifth play, Giddens found Travone Rivers in the end zone from 16 yards out. 31=7 Good Guys. After an exchange of punts, Shaw got on the board again. A 77 yard drive in 13 plays finished with a Whittlesey pass for a touchdown, but that was all they could muster. 31-14 was the final score.
A good win against a team that will probably make the playoffs. It was good to see Mon Denson back, as he was missed last week. Hopefully we will see Dee Gates back next week. The Grangers next play at Kinnett Stadium next Thursday against the Columbus Blue Devils. Here is to a 2-0 region start.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Thomson 49 LaGrange 42
The Grangers may have made history Friday night and not in a good way. I looked through both LaGrangeFootball.com and ghsfha.com and can't find where LaGrange scored as many points in a loss. The most I could find is where the Grangers scored 41 in a loss to East Coweta in 1998.
The Grangers returned the opening kickoff dor a touchdown. DeMoton Boyd ran the full 85 yards for the score and LaGrange went up 6-0. After a Thomson punt, the Grangers scored again on a 70 yard pass play from Zach Giddens to Bennie Gray. 14-0 Grangers. Another Thomson punt put the ball on the Granger 25. Eleven plays later, Travone Rivers scored on a pass from Giddens from 20 yards out and about four and a half minutes in LaGrange had a 21-0 lead. Thomson went three and out but on the Grangers' next drive, Giddens through a pick six to Dexter Jones and it was 21-7. But the Grangers would extend their lead on the next drive. The nine play, 69 yard drive ended when Gray banged his way into the end zone and LaGrange took a 28-7 lead.
They would never lead by that much again.
The Bulldogs would return the ensuing kickoff to the Granger 13. The very next play saw quarterback Chris Tutt run into the end zone and it was 28-14 Grangers. Giddens would throw his second interception and Thomson would capitalize. The Bulldogs went 65 yards in 11 plays, finished when Tutt threw to Gelyam Parker for the six yard touchdown. 28-21 would be the score at the end of the first half.
Thomson's opening drive of the second half saw Qwa Baldwin pick off Tutt's pass, but LaGrange would not get a first down. After that punt it started getting crazy. The next five possessions ended with a touchdown each. Thomson tied the score at 28 after a 43 yard drive when Torrie Battled ran into the end zone from 25 yards out. LaGrange would regain the lead with a 75 yard drive ending when Giddens hit Dee Gates for an eight yard touchdown. Thomson tied it back at 35 in a two play, 68 yard drive. The 56 yard run by William Bussey found the end zone and tied the game. But LaGrange recaptured the lead following a 60 yard drive. Giddens connected with Dee Smith from 24 yards out and it was 42-35. The very next drive saw the Bulldogs go 63 yards in seven plays. A 16 yard touchdown run by Quay Cummings tied the game for the third and final time. 42-42. The Grangers' very next play from scrimmage, Giddens threw his third interception and Thomson was set up at the Granger 32. Five plays later, Bussey runs in from 18 yards out, and Thomson took the lead for the first and only time, 49-42. LaGrange went three and out and Thomson ran out the clock.
A couple cliches turned out to be true. "The team that turns the ball over more usually loses." All three interceptions Giddens threw turned into Thomson touchdowns. Thomson's only interception resulted in a Granger punt. "You let good teams hang around, bad things happen." Make no mistake about it, Thomson is a good team. Chris Jordan rushed for more than 200 yards. The last time I remember a runningback rush for 200 yards against the Grangers was Shaw's Bryan Willis.
Thomson hasn't given up 42 all year. The Grangers offense looked excellent except for the turnovers. But the defense had all kinds of problems. Next up the region schedule starts when LaGrange hosts the Shaw Raiders.
The Grangers returned the opening kickoff dor a touchdown. DeMoton Boyd ran the full 85 yards for the score and LaGrange went up 6-0. After a Thomson punt, the Grangers scored again on a 70 yard pass play from Zach Giddens to Bennie Gray. 14-0 Grangers. Another Thomson punt put the ball on the Granger 25. Eleven plays later, Travone Rivers scored on a pass from Giddens from 20 yards out and about four and a half minutes in LaGrange had a 21-0 lead. Thomson went three and out but on the Grangers' next drive, Giddens through a pick six to Dexter Jones and it was 21-7. But the Grangers would extend their lead on the next drive. The nine play, 69 yard drive ended when Gray banged his way into the end zone and LaGrange took a 28-7 lead.
They would never lead by that much again.
The Bulldogs would return the ensuing kickoff to the Granger 13. The very next play saw quarterback Chris Tutt run into the end zone and it was 28-14 Grangers. Giddens would throw his second interception and Thomson would capitalize. The Bulldogs went 65 yards in 11 plays, finished when Tutt threw to Gelyam Parker for the six yard touchdown. 28-21 would be the score at the end of the first half.
Thomson's opening drive of the second half saw Qwa Baldwin pick off Tutt's pass, but LaGrange would not get a first down. After that punt it started getting crazy. The next five possessions ended with a touchdown each. Thomson tied the score at 28 after a 43 yard drive when Torrie Battled ran into the end zone from 25 yards out. LaGrange would regain the lead with a 75 yard drive ending when Giddens hit Dee Gates for an eight yard touchdown. Thomson tied it back at 35 in a two play, 68 yard drive. The 56 yard run by William Bussey found the end zone and tied the game. But LaGrange recaptured the lead following a 60 yard drive. Giddens connected with Dee Smith from 24 yards out and it was 42-35. The very next drive saw the Bulldogs go 63 yards in seven plays. A 16 yard touchdown run by Quay Cummings tied the game for the third and final time. 42-42. The Grangers' very next play from scrimmage, Giddens threw his third interception and Thomson was set up at the Granger 32. Five plays later, Bussey runs in from 18 yards out, and Thomson took the lead for the first and only time, 49-42. LaGrange went three and out and Thomson ran out the clock.
A couple cliches turned out to be true. "The team that turns the ball over more usually loses." All three interceptions Giddens threw turned into Thomson touchdowns. Thomson's only interception resulted in a Granger punt. "You let good teams hang around, bad things happen." Make no mistake about it, Thomson is a good team. Chris Jordan rushed for more than 200 yards. The last time I remember a runningback rush for 200 yards against the Grangers was Shaw's Bryan Willis.
Thomson hasn't given up 42 all year. The Grangers offense looked excellent except for the turnovers. But the defense had all kinds of problems. Next up the region schedule starts when LaGrange hosts the Shaw Raiders.
Friday, September 7, 2012
LaGrange 37 Harris County 13
The Grangers dominated the Harris County Tigers Thursday night at Callaway Stadium, taking a 37-0 lead before the reserves gave up 13 points. Lots of improvement in all phases of the game.
The Tigers opened up on their 41 yard line and got as far as the Granger 30, but turned the ball over on downs. LaGrange took over and had a 13 play drive, but it stalled at the Harris County six. Taylor Stanford connected on a 23 yard field goal and the Grangers led 3-0. Harris County's next drive went 41 yards in six plays, but a bad snap on a field goal attempt gave the ball back to Grangers. LaGrange didn't need long. A 29 yard pass from Zach Giddens to Dee Gates set up a 50 yard touchdown pass to Dee Smith and the Grangers went up 9-0. On Harris County's kickoff return, the Grangers caused a fumble and LaGrange started at the Tiger 40. The very next play saw Giddens connect with Wynton Heard who found the end zone. 16-0 LG. The Granger defense caused another Tiger fumble and Joe Sanders scooped and scored ten seconds into the second quarter. At that point Harris County only had two first downs. An uneventful 11 minutes and 50 seconds followed and LaGrange went into the locker room leading 23-0.
LaGrange opened the second half without getting a first down, but on the Tigers's first drive LaGrange caused another fumble. The Granger drive stalled at the Tiger 25 and Michael Ward's 46 yard field goal attempt was plenty long, but just wide of the uprights. The teams exchanged punts and with 2:26 left in the third quarter, LaGrange needed one play. A 54 yard touchdown run by Benny Gray extended the lead to mercy rule territory. 30-0 Grangers. Harris County could not get a first down on their next drive and the Grangers would finish their scoring early in the fourth quarter. A 65 yard drive in six plays ended with a 47 yard touchdown pass from Giddens to Smith. 37-0 Good Guys. Harris County would score twice against the Granger reserves with a 30 yard touchdown run by Esaias Chapman and a 16 yard catch from Justin Wright to Tae Crowder. 37-13 was the final score.
Harris County was held to nine first downs by my math in 14 drives. The Grangers recovered three Tiger fumbles while giving up two, one in their last drive of the game. The defense looked good, the offense looked better, and the kicking game took a major step forward.
The bad thing about the mercy rule and its running clock is the younger players don't get as many plays as they would in a normally timed fourth quarter. If there is one thing the Grangers really need help it is depth. Coach Branch said in the post game interview there is a real drop off from the first and second string. Hopefully we will see more lopsided games like this so the backups will get more real game experience and be ready to step in if, Heaven forbid, there are any injuries.
The Tigers opened up on their 41 yard line and got as far as the Granger 30, but turned the ball over on downs. LaGrange took over and had a 13 play drive, but it stalled at the Harris County six. Taylor Stanford connected on a 23 yard field goal and the Grangers led 3-0. Harris County's next drive went 41 yards in six plays, but a bad snap on a field goal attempt gave the ball back to Grangers. LaGrange didn't need long. A 29 yard pass from Zach Giddens to Dee Gates set up a 50 yard touchdown pass to Dee Smith and the Grangers went up 9-0. On Harris County's kickoff return, the Grangers caused a fumble and LaGrange started at the Tiger 40. The very next play saw Giddens connect with Wynton Heard who found the end zone. 16-0 LG. The Granger defense caused another Tiger fumble and Joe Sanders scooped and scored ten seconds into the second quarter. At that point Harris County only had two first downs. An uneventful 11 minutes and 50 seconds followed and LaGrange went into the locker room leading 23-0.
LaGrange opened the second half without getting a first down, but on the Tigers's first drive LaGrange caused another fumble. The Granger drive stalled at the Tiger 25 and Michael Ward's 46 yard field goal attempt was plenty long, but just wide of the uprights. The teams exchanged punts and with 2:26 left in the third quarter, LaGrange needed one play. A 54 yard touchdown run by Benny Gray extended the lead to mercy rule territory. 30-0 Grangers. Harris County could not get a first down on their next drive and the Grangers would finish their scoring early in the fourth quarter. A 65 yard drive in six plays ended with a 47 yard touchdown pass from Giddens to Smith. 37-0 Good Guys. Harris County would score twice against the Granger reserves with a 30 yard touchdown run by Esaias Chapman and a 16 yard catch from Justin Wright to Tae Crowder. 37-13 was the final score.
Harris County was held to nine first downs by my math in 14 drives. The Grangers recovered three Tiger fumbles while giving up two, one in their last drive of the game. The defense looked good, the offense looked better, and the kicking game took a major step forward.
The bad thing about the mercy rule and its running clock is the younger players don't get as many plays as they would in a normally timed fourth quarter. If there is one thing the Grangers really need help it is depth. Coach Branch said in the post game interview there is a real drop off from the first and second string. Hopefully we will see more lopsided games like this so the backups will get more real game experience and be ready to step in if, Heaven forbid, there are any injuries.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Newnan 24 LaGrange 21
This was not a moral victory. This was a loss. The Grangers had chances to defeat the Newnan Cougars Friday night at Drake Stadium, but couldn't quite do it.
The Grangers opened the game with what will be defined as an onside kick. It was more of a pooch kick that went over the front line of the Cougars, bounced once and was fielded by LaGrange. Four plays later Zach Giddens connected with Dee Smith on an 18 yard touchdown pass and LaGrange took a 7-0 lead. After a Newnan punt, the Grangers drove 79 yards in ten plays. The drive was capped by a 37 yard touchdown pass, again Giddens to Smith. 14-0 good guys. Newnan would answer with a 78 yard drive in four plays, the last going 65 yards. Bailey Bryant to Tray Matthews for the first of three touchdown passes between the two. 14-7 Grangers.
The teams would trade punts and LaGrange would score again on their fourth drive. Starting at their two yard line, the Grangers would go the full 98 yards, finished by a 51 yard TD scamper by Mon Denson. 21-7 LaGrange. A big kickoff return by Newnan gave the Cougars the ball first and ten at the Granger 14. It didn't take long as two plays later Bryant to Matthews again cut the Granger lead to 21-14. LaGrange went three and out and Newnan got on the board again with a 24 yard field goal. The half would end with the Grangers on top 24-17.
The second half was less eventful but more suspenseful. LaGrange did not get a single first down but still got into the red zone twice. After a Granger punt, a Newnan turnover by fumble and a Granger punt, newnan would take their first and only lead after a screen pass from Bryant to Matthews. Matthews made an interesting move to freeze the Granger defender and then streaked down the near sideline 59 yards for the touchdown. Another Cougar fumble gave LaGrange the ball at the Cougar 13, but turned the ball over on downs. Later in the 4th quarter, Newnan fumbled again and LaGrange took over deep in Newnan territory. But a missed 28 yard field goal attempt gave Newnan new life. LaGrange's defense held firm and the Grangers were given one last chance at their own 46. But LaGrange could not capitalize and Newnan wins 24-21.
This was a very physical game with many hard hits, many bumps, bruises and cramping, and way too many penalties. But still there were lots of improvements from last season. Both teams adjusted at the half but Newnan made one more big play that was the difference of the game. The Grangers will have another big test Thursday against Harris County. These games will definitely help the Grangers when the playoffs come. Airtime Thursday is 6:30 from Callaway Stadium. We'll see you there.
The Grangers opened the game with what will be defined as an onside kick. It was more of a pooch kick that went over the front line of the Cougars, bounced once and was fielded by LaGrange. Four plays later Zach Giddens connected with Dee Smith on an 18 yard touchdown pass and LaGrange took a 7-0 lead. After a Newnan punt, the Grangers drove 79 yards in ten plays. The drive was capped by a 37 yard touchdown pass, again Giddens to Smith. 14-0 good guys. Newnan would answer with a 78 yard drive in four plays, the last going 65 yards. Bailey Bryant to Tray Matthews for the first of three touchdown passes between the two. 14-7 Grangers.
The teams would trade punts and LaGrange would score again on their fourth drive. Starting at their two yard line, the Grangers would go the full 98 yards, finished by a 51 yard TD scamper by Mon Denson. 21-7 LaGrange. A big kickoff return by Newnan gave the Cougars the ball first and ten at the Granger 14. It didn't take long as two plays later Bryant to Matthews again cut the Granger lead to 21-14. LaGrange went three and out and Newnan got on the board again with a 24 yard field goal. The half would end with the Grangers on top 24-17.
The second half was less eventful but more suspenseful. LaGrange did not get a single first down but still got into the red zone twice. After a Granger punt, a Newnan turnover by fumble and a Granger punt, newnan would take their first and only lead after a screen pass from Bryant to Matthews. Matthews made an interesting move to freeze the Granger defender and then streaked down the near sideline 59 yards for the touchdown. Another Cougar fumble gave LaGrange the ball at the Cougar 13, but turned the ball over on downs. Later in the 4th quarter, Newnan fumbled again and LaGrange took over deep in Newnan territory. But a missed 28 yard field goal attempt gave Newnan new life. LaGrange's defense held firm and the Grangers were given one last chance at their own 46. But LaGrange could not capitalize and Newnan wins 24-21.
This was a very physical game with many hard hits, many bumps, bruises and cramping, and way too many penalties. But still there were lots of improvements from last season. Both teams adjusted at the half but Newnan made one more big play that was the difference of the game. The Grangers will have another big test Thursday against Harris County. These games will definitely help the Grangers when the playoffs come. Airtime Thursday is 6:30 from Callaway Stadium. We'll see you there.
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