2007 PERRY RECAP

The Grangers suffered their worst loss since 1999 Friday night in the first round of the playoffs. It was also the first time they lost a first round game this decade.

LaGrange opened the game inside Perry territory but the drive stalled at the Panther 40. Joe Mansour punted and Perry started at their own 20. A 13 play drive got to the Granger 15, but the Panthers had to settle for a field goal. LaGrange would go three and out and the Panthers would have a 12 play drive ending with a 31 yard touchdown pass from Heyward to Felder. 10-0. LaGrange's next drive would include a 64 yard run by Ocie Salter to the Panther 12. But that drive ended when Perry would intercept a pass, their first of two. The teams would exchange punts and Perry would punt again, giving LaGrange good field position at the Perry 49. But three plays later an interception was run back for a Panther touchdown giving Perry a 17-0 lead. LaGrange would then drive to the Panther 18, but Pat Simmons missed a field goal for the first time all season, a microcosm of how the game went. Perry would lead 17-0 at intermission.

The Granger defense answered the opening bell of the second half, forcing Perry to punt. But the offense would go three and out and half to punt. The snap was a bit high and Mansour mishandled it. Joe would get the ball back but get tackled at the Granger 14. Perry could only get a field goal and extend their lead 20-0. The teams would exchange punts and the Grangers would get a drive going from their own 8. It would end at Perry's 35 when a handoff was mishandled and Perry recovered. Three plays later Lane would run in the end zone from 33 yards out. 27-0. The Granger offense would not give up as they put together a 70 yard drive resulting in a 2 yard touchdown run by senior Dez Lovett. 27-7 would be the final score.

The seniors end their high school career 44-8, 34-4 in Region 2, 9-3 in the playoffs. Thanks to Seniors Roland Rice, Daniel Richardson, Jernard Johnson, Ryan Allen, Dez Lovett, Cory Hardnett, Will Smith, Jeff Anderson, Mario Dixon, Brian Bright, Brian Thomas, Collin Thompson, Langston Browder, Pat Simmons, Mike Williams, Michael Cameron & Scotty Reeves for their hard work and dedication. Keep in touch, guys.

Also a big thank you to the athletic department at LaGrange High. Jay Russell, Steve Pardue and the rest of the coaches have been very gracious with us. Every time I called or showed up at their offices with a question, they were there for me. Todd would get scouting reports of opposing teams from the coaches so we would know what to expect. Coach Pardue would go to Tommy first for halftime and postgame interviews. I have enjoyed doing Granger games these past five seasons and hope to continue as long as they will let me.