By Michael Buchanan 12/06/08

I heard a lot about Flowery Branch's offense this past week. And except for a few big plays, the Falcons' offense didn't control the game.

But their defense sure did. Now Flowery Branch goes to the Georgia Dome after defeating LaGrange 28-0 at Callaway Stadium Friday night.

LaGrange went three and out six times, drove inside the Falcons' 40 three times, and started one drive at the Flowery Branch 12. But the Grangers could not score on any of their drives.

Both teams exchanged possessions without a first down for a few possessions to start the game. LaGrange then moved the ball to the Branch 36 in nine plays, only to turn the ball over on downs. The Falcons would punt without a first down and LaGrange moved the ball from their own three to the Falcon 35. Joe Mansour's 52 yard field goal attempt was plenty long but just wide right. Branch would answer in only three plays. The last was a 74 yard touchdown pass from Connor Shaw to Rodriquez Frazier. 7-0 Falcons. LaGrange would go three and out and Flowery Branch moved the ball 55 yards in 11 plays. But they needed to go 60 yards and the second quarter expired before they could score again.

The second half started with the Grangers going three and out and the Falcons moving the ball to the Granger 31.  Billy Thompson's 48 yard field goal attempt was also long enough but curled wide left. LaGrange would be forced to punt again and Branch would answer. On their third play, Daniel Drummond scampered 63 yards to the Granger end zone. 14-0 Branch. After LaGrange failed to move the chains, Flowery Branch marched down to the Granger 20. But their field goal attempt was blocked and LaGrange would get new life. The Grangers went inside the Falcon 40 in nine plays, but was forced to punt. It was muffed and LaGrange started at Branch's 12 yard line. On the second play, Rodney Tolbert threw an interception in the end zone and Branch started their next drive at their own 20. Three plays later Drummond would run 82 yards for another touchdown. 21-0 Branch. At that point in the game, all three touchdowns came on the third play of the drive, all three on third down. After an exchange of punts and Tolbert's second interception, the Falcons would start their last drive on the LaGrange 13. Drummond would score again from nine yards out on the second play and Flowery Branch would win 28-0.

It was the worst defeat the Grangers had since losing by 28 to Morrow 35-7 in 1994, and the worst shutout loss since 1980 when LaGrange also lost 28-0, also to Morrow. But considering all the adversity this team has had this season, a semifinal appearance is pretty darn good. Remember, Chad Grant was lost before the season started to injury, Brian Dowell was out since week two with an injury, Rodney Tolbert was forced to move from receiver to quarterback and several other key players missed games here and there. An 11-3 season was pretty darn good indeed.

Thanks to Dr. Ralph Swearngin for being our halftime guest. It was great talking with him about moving the finals to the Georgia Dome and changing the reclassification cycle to four years. Also thanks to Todd Willis and Tommy Traylor for being a part of Granger Football on WCJM again this year. The broadcasts sounded really well with their insight. Thanks to John Strother and LaGrangeFootball.com for all they do and to Granger historian Scott Sickler for all the information he provided.  Also thanks to LaGrange Toyota and WCJM for having an exclusive home on the radio for Granger football.  It made for less hassles in the press box by not fighting for booth space.
 
The seniors finish their high school career with 40 wins and played in 11 playoff games. Great job, guys.

As for us, we'll be back August 28, 2009 at Callaway Stadium bring you LaGrange vs. Newnan. Until then, have a great offseason.