From 2000
through 2006, LaGrange had shut out 28
opponents. That averages to four per season.
The Grangers have already matched that
average in just four games this season. The
Kendrick Cherokees were the latest victim as
LaGrange won 34-0 in another mercy rule
game, the third of the season for LaGrange.
The Granger defense set the tone early forcing Kendrick to punt in their opening drive. The two teams exchanged fumbles, but on the Grangers' second drive Jamius Gunsby caught a pass from Rodney Tolbert for a 52-yard touchdown. Pat Simmons' extra point was true and the score was 7-0. Kendrick engineered an eight-play 39-yard drive getting three first downs in the process, but it stalled at the LaGrange 41. It was the first time I saw a 15-yard penalty for having a towel on the field. The Cherokees punted the ball away pinning the Grangers at their own eight.
LaGrange's longest drive of the night went 92 yards in 13 plays, taking 6:27 off the clock. It ended when Dez Lovett ran eight yards into the end zone making the score 14-0. Kendrick then went three and out and the Grangers' next drive was stopped short at the Cherokees' 15. Simmons nailed a 33 yard field goal to increase the lead 17-0. Both teams exchanged fumbles again and Kendrick would run out the clock to end the first half.
At halftime, Auburn University offensive line coach Hugh Nall came up to the booth for an interview. We had a chance to talk with him at halftime last year and he was nice enough for a return visit. I really appreciate him for doing that.
Granger head coach Steve Pardue often talks about getting each half off to a fast start. Brian Dowell took that to heart as he ran back the second half's opening kickoff 80+ yards for a touchdown. 24-0 Grangers. Kendrick would punt the ball away their next three drives having not gotten a first down. LaGrange has a short four-play 45-yard drive ending with a 4-yard touchdown run by Gunsby. 31-0 LaGrange. The Grangers' last scoring drive came late in the third quarter. LaGrange had first and goal from inside the five, but then went to fourth and goal from the 30. Joe Mansour connected on a 48-yard field goal against the wind making the score 34-0. Both teams exchanged fumbles once more, but Kendrick's last drive provided some drama. It started on their own 27 yard line and went seven plays. The last play was first and goal from the Granger 10 and a pass in the end zone. But Cory Hardnett preserved the shutout by intercepting the pass.
Three lost fumbles by LaGrange and three lost fumbles and one interception by Kendrick. Despite the turnovers (which will be addressed and worked on the coming week) it was a good all-around effort by LaGrange. Good intensity and execution. One more game before the off week, heading back to Kinnett Stadium to play Hardaway next week.
The Granger defense set the tone early forcing Kendrick to punt in their opening drive. The two teams exchanged fumbles, but on the Grangers' second drive Jamius Gunsby caught a pass from Rodney Tolbert for a 52-yard touchdown. Pat Simmons' extra point was true and the score was 7-0. Kendrick engineered an eight-play 39-yard drive getting three first downs in the process, but it stalled at the LaGrange 41. It was the first time I saw a 15-yard penalty for having a towel on the field. The Cherokees punted the ball away pinning the Grangers at their own eight.
LaGrange's longest drive of the night went 92 yards in 13 plays, taking 6:27 off the clock. It ended when Dez Lovett ran eight yards into the end zone making the score 14-0. Kendrick then went three and out and the Grangers' next drive was stopped short at the Cherokees' 15. Simmons nailed a 33 yard field goal to increase the lead 17-0. Both teams exchanged fumbles again and Kendrick would run out the clock to end the first half.
At halftime, Auburn University offensive line coach Hugh Nall came up to the booth for an interview. We had a chance to talk with him at halftime last year and he was nice enough for a return visit. I really appreciate him for doing that.
Granger head coach Steve Pardue often talks about getting each half off to a fast start. Brian Dowell took that to heart as he ran back the second half's opening kickoff 80+ yards for a touchdown. 24-0 Grangers. Kendrick would punt the ball away their next three drives having not gotten a first down. LaGrange has a short four-play 45-yard drive ending with a 4-yard touchdown run by Gunsby. 31-0 LaGrange. The Grangers' last scoring drive came late in the third quarter. LaGrange had first and goal from inside the five, but then went to fourth and goal from the 30. Joe Mansour connected on a 48-yard field goal against the wind making the score 34-0. Both teams exchanged fumbles once more, but Kendrick's last drive provided some drama. It started on their own 27 yard line and went seven plays. The last play was first and goal from the Granger 10 and a pass in the end zone. But Cory Hardnett preserved the shutout by intercepting the pass.
Three lost fumbles by LaGrange and three lost fumbles and one interception by Kendrick. Despite the turnovers (which will be addressed and worked on the coming week) it was a good all-around effort by LaGrange. Good intensity and execution. One more game before the off week, heading back to Kinnett Stadium to play Hardaway next week.