The Grant Tigers won their first game of the 2020 season, against the Tri County Vikings, by a score of 7-6. The two teams battled for the “Hammer”, the traveling trophy between bordering districts.

Both teams played fantastic defense, forcing opposing offenses to fight for every inch. Grant scored the first points of the contest with 6:33 left in the second quarter as Brendan Keelean plowed it in behind a huge line surge from the left side of the offensive line for a 1-yard touchdown. The Tiger extra point, by Gonzalo Magana, split the uprights, giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead.

 Tri County answered with a touchdown on their next possession on a three-yard run capping off an 85-yard drive. The extra point attempt ricocheted of the right upright giving the Tigers a 7-6 lead.  

Senior Orion Evans led the Tigers with 82 yards rushing on 19 carries. Brendan Keelean connected on 5 of his 13 pass attempts for 57 yards. Brett Long was the leading receiver with 3 receptions for 36 yards.

Defensively, the Tigers were led by Senior Isiah Powell who notched 8 tackles, including 3 for loss and 1 pass breakup. Junior, Treyton Railling, had 7 tackles and 2 sacks. Ty Korson recorded 5 tackles and added 2 sacks. Brett Long also contributed to the defensive effort, making 5 tackles- 1 for loss- and 2 pass breakups.

Overall, the Tigers were happy to capture the win in the season opener. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but after the emotional rollercoaster these kids have endured, we’ll take It.”

Next week the Tigers take on the Fremont Packers at home.