LaGrange 34 Thomson 6

By Michael Buchanan 11/22/08
 

I had a very enjoyable visit with Thomson play-by-play man Dennis Sanders.  A LaGrange High grad, Dennis was glad to be down to visit family and friends.  He probably didn't appreciate the Grangers ending the Bulldogs' season so abruptly, though.  LaGrange defeated Thomson 34-7 on a cold Saturday night, and now go to the quarterfinals.  I hope to have the opportunity to spend more time with Dennis and even head coach Luther Welsh some time soon. 
 
The Grangers helped Thomson to an early three and out, but would give the ball back to the Bulldogs on a Rodney Tolbert interception at the Bulldog three yard line.  On Thomson's second play, the ball was fumbled in the end zone, but recovered by the Bulldogs for a safety.  2-0 LaGrange.  After an exchange of punts, LaGrange would drive 80 yards in six plays.  The last three were notable with a 44 yard scamper by Tolbert, a 33 yard reverse pass from Ocie Salter to Tolbert to David Earl, and a three yard plunge by Xavier Heard for the touchdown.  9-0 Grangers.  Thomson would go three and out but the punt was blocked.  It was recovered in the end zone by the Bulldogs for the second safety in the game.  It would not be the last.  11-0 LaGrange.  On the ensuing kickoff, Darren Hairston would return it for a touchdown for the third time this season.  18-0 LaGrange.  Thomson would punt, Tolbert would throw another interception, but Thomson would fumble at the Granger 18.  The teams would go into the locker room with an 18-0 Granger lead. 
 
LaGrange would start the second half going three and out, but Thomson would not move the chains either, turning the ball over on downs at the Granger 37.  LaGrange would likewise only get four plays on their second drive of the half, but the last two saw Salter rush for more than 60 yards combined on simple buck sweeps and LaGrange extended their lead to 25-0.  Thomson would fumble on their next drive at their own 45, but LaGrange could not capitalize and the teams traded punts a few times.
 
When LaGrange punted on their first drive in the fourth quarter, the ball was downed at Thomson's 3 yard line.  On the fourth snap of the drive, the ball sailed over the punter's head and through the end zone for the third safety of the night.  27-0 Grangers.  Darren Hairston would return the kickoff to the Bulldog 35 and six plays later Tolbert would find Matt Pauley all alone in the end zone for a touchdown.  34-0 Grangers.  The teams would exchange punts again and LaGrange's backups would fumble the ball with 28 seconds left in the game at their own 22.  Thomson would get in the end zone four plays later to cut their deficit to 34-7 with 3.6 seconds left in regulation and no other scoring would happen.
 
After we concluded our broadcast, I eavesdropped on WTHO's.  Dennis Sanders mentioned the professionalism in the press box at Callaway Stadium, and I appreciate that.  Don Davis on PA, Jeff Buchanan (no relation) on video camera and the rest of the folks who work every Granger game at Callaway Stadium go out of their way to treat visitors with class and respect.
 
Next week, the Grangers travel to North DeKalb Stadium to face the Dunwoody Wildcats.  Nothing like being inside the 285 perimeter in Atlanta on the busiest shopping day of the year.  But if it means LaGrange playing in the quarterfinals, there is no place that I'd rather be.  There is no visitor side of the stadium, so let's bring a loud and proud crowd and show Dunwoody how we travel Granger style.  We'll see you there.