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.