Graceville Trapped

By Dan Fender


Coming off a big win last week against one more school larger than themselves, Graceville found themselves again taking to the field of play having to face another opponent able to draw from a larger pool of players. Last week these Tigers from Graceville held Franklin County scoreless on a night where Graceville saw things come together. That was not to be on this night. Apart from a long field goal of 37 yards by Jay Parent, this night would be a night where the Tigers would hold their opponent scoreless once again. Although on this night it would be the Tigers from Blountstown keeping their opponent out of the end zone.

Looking back at the game last week and looking ahead to the opening of district play next week in Tallahassee against FAMU, this contest had all the trappings for disappointment for the Tigers from Graceville. Blountstown who came to Graceville undefeated did little to move the ball on the Tiger defense. Outside of a large pass completion in the first quarter by the Blountstown offense Graceville did well against a very athletic group from Calhoun County. Blountstown was able to do little to make their offense go apart from the trap play which they ran well and often

Early in this hard fought contest Blountstown took the lead on a fumble scoop for a touchdown. After a successful PAT the score was 7-0 and Graceville needed to respond. Although not able to put the ball in the end zone on this evening Graceville dominated the time of possession holding the ball virtually the entire first half. They picked up 13 first downs on the hard running of Leron Hoover, Jeremy Watburg and Jacky Miles.

Coming out for the second half finding themselves down 7-0 Graceville proceeded to kickoff only to get the ball on a successful onside kick recovered by Hoover. Taking the field for their first drive of the second half, Graceville put together a nine play drive ending in a field goal by Parent. That would be it for the scoring with the Tigers from Graceville. Later in the half Blountstown would add another touchdown to make the final score 14-3.

Although this loss came against another larger school, Graceville can take some positive things away from this game. One, special teams did a stellar job none more apparent than a solid field goal and great punting by Parent. Two, Graceville can be proud of the way they held the ball and dominated the time of possession. Three, it is now time for district play beginning this Friday evening. Graceville support your team by making the trek to our state Capitol and let’s support these young men as they seek to take the bite out of the Rattlers from FAMU.