Final GRC Power Poll

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Gallatin and North Andrew top the Final Power Polls.

11-Man Power Poll

1. Gallatin (8-0; 6-0 GRC) Gallatin is the #1 seed in Class 1 District 7.  They will have a bye this week since Princeton did not have enough players to field a team for the postseason.  They will host the winner of Marceline vs. Brookfield on November 4.

2. Trenton (8-1; 6-1 GRC) Trenton is the #4 seed in Class 2 District 8.  They will host Lawson on October 28.

3. Putnam County (7-2; 5-2 GRC) Putnam County is the #2 seed in Class 1 District 7.  They will host South Harrison on October 28.  Putnam County defeated South Harrison 55-14 in Week 6.

4. Milan (5-4; 4-3 GRC) Milan is the #3 seed in Class 1 District 7.  They will host Maysville on October 28.  Milan defeated Maysville 34-26 on Friday.

5. Maysville (4-5; 3-4 GRC) Maysville is the #6 seed in Class 1 District 7.  They will play at Milan on October 28.  Maysville lost to Milan 34-26 on Friday.

6. South Harrison (2-7; 2-5 GRC) South Harrison is the #7 seed in Class 1 District 7.  The will play at Putnam County on October 28.  South Harrison lost to Putnam County 55-14 in Week 6.

7. Princeton (1-7; 1-5 GRC) Princeton's season has ended.

8. Polo (2-7; 0-7 GRC)  Polo is the #7 seed in Class 1 District 8.  The will play at Mid-Buchanan on October 28.

8-Man Power Poll

1. North Andrew (8-0; 6-0 GRC) North Andrew is the #1 seed in 8-Man District 4.  The will host the winner of Stanberry vs Nodaway Valley on November 4.

2. Albany (8-1; 5-1 GRC) Albany is the #5 seed in 8-Man District 4.  They will play at East Atchison on November 4.

3. Worth County (7-2; 4-2 GRC) Worth County is the #3 seed in 8-Man District 4.  They will host Rock Port on November 4.

4. King City (6-3; 3-3 GRC) King City is the #3 seed in 8-Man District 3.  They will host Pattonsburg on November 4.  King City defeated Pattonsburg 92-36 in Week 4.

5. Stanberry (3-5; 2-4 GRC) Stanberry is the #8 seed in 8-Man District 4.  They will host Nodaway Valley on October 28.

6. Pattonsburg (3-6; 1-5 GRC) Pattonsburg is the #6 seed in 8-Man District 3.  They will play at King City on November 4.  Pattonsburg lost to King City 92-36 in Week 4.

7. St. Joseph Christian (1-8; 0-6 GRC) St. Joseph Christian is the #7 seed in 8-Man District 3.  They will play at Bishop LeBlond on November 4.  St. Joseph Christian lost to Bishop LeBlond 66-12 in Week 4.

Milan knocks off Maysville in Coach Cole's return to his alma mater

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Milan Coach Mark Cole was returning to his alma mater and former team for the first time as an opposing coach since he left Maysville.  But nostalgia was not the only thing that was important in this game for Milan and Maysville.  Coming into the game, both teams were 4-4 overall and 3-3 in GRC.  The winner would finish the season with a winning record and finish in the upper half of the conference.  Additionally, both were fighting for district standings.  Most likely the #3 spot in districts was on the line.  At a minimum, the winner was expected to be at home next week with the loser playing a road game.  Therefore, the importance of this game could not be understated.

As close as this game was on paper, it ended up to be that way on the scoreboard.  Milan won a hard fought 34-26 game.  Milan started the game with good field position at the Maysville 45-yard line after an Alex Marquina 35-yard kickoff return.  After Ahmet Niasse connected with Jeremy Bennett for a 32-yard pass down the sideline to put the Wildcats on the 1-yard line, Niasse ran the ball in from the 1.  Christian Chaparro's PAT was blocked.  Milan was up 6-0. 

 

Maysville got the ball back, and it was the Kaleb Jestes show.  Jestes ran the ball on the first 5 plays moving the ball from their own 30-yard line to the Milan 21.  Kris Gabbard would complete the drive with QB keeper from 1-yard out to tie it up at 6.  Jestes had 53 yards on the drive.

Milan would get another TD early in the 2nd quarter when Niasse hit Greyson Smith from 9 yards on a fade pattern.  Milan led 12-6 after the 2-pt failed.  On Milan's next posession, Niasse fumbled and Konner Watkins returned the fumble 35 yards for a touchdown to tie it at 12.

Niasse would redeem on the next play when he ran for 80 yards for a touchdown to put Milan up 19-12.  But the redemption would not last long when Niasse would fumble again.  This time, Garrett Bray would be the one to return the fumble for a touchdown, this time from 20 yards out.  Maysville would go up 20-19 after the 2-pt conversion by Gabbard.

Milan would end the scoring with 34 seconds left in the half when Chaparro connected in a 33-yard field goal to go up 22-20.

Maysville took the opening kick of the 2nd half, but fumbled.  Milan would immediately capitalize on the second play when Carlos Cotto scored from 41 yards out.  Milan was up 28-20 after the PAT was missed.  After a 3 and out by Maysville, Milan would score again when Niasse would run it in from 7 yards.  Another Missed PAT would make it 34-20 Milan.

Maysville would not go away.  They drove 80 yards (helped by two 15 yard Milan penalties).  Kris Gabbard scored from a yard out.  After the 2-pt failed, Milan led 34-26.  

Maysville would threaten late in the game.  A Spencer Pliley run got the Wolverines down to the Milan 32-yard line with about 4 minutes left.  But the next two plays were bad snaps, and Maysville lost 17 yards.  They were not able to overcome 3rd and 27.  Milan took over with 2 minutes left and was able to get 2 first downs and run out the clock, winning 34-26.

I talked with both coaches after the game.

Here is video of Maysville's player introductions:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grand River Conference (@grandriverconf)

Stats (Unofficial)

Milan

Passing

Ahmet Niasse, 4-7, 90 yards, 1 TD

Rushing

Ahmet Niasse, 166 yards, 3 TD

Carlos Cotto, 110 yards, 1 TD

Receiving

Jeremy Bennett, 55 yards

Greyson Smith, 35 yards

Total Yards 366, Rushing 276 yards, Receiving 90 yards

Maysville

Passing

Kris Gabbard, 3-8, 18 yards

Kaleb Jestes, 1-1, 15 yards

Rushing

Kaleb Jestes, 109 yards

Spencer Pliley, 61 yards

Kris Gabbard, -22 yards, 2 TD

Receiving

Dillon Willis, 15 yards

Kaleb Jestes, 10 yards

Kobyn Metzger, 8 yards

Konnor Watkins, TD - Fumble Return

Garrett Bray, TD - Fumble Return

Total Yards 181, Rushing 148 yards, Receiving 33 yards

Polo is state-bound with a 16-3 win over King City in Class 1 Softball

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Last season, the Polo Panthers lost to Maysville 6-5 in the District Championship.  Maysville went on to win the State Championship.  The previous season, they also lost in the District Championship game to Sherwood.  Coach Becky Ross told me that they were tired of trophies with the number two in their trophy case.  One of their goals this season was to get past that hurdle and win the district title.  They did that last week when they knocked off Gallatin 2-1 in 8 innings.  

With that hurdle finally surpassed, the Panthers now had their next goal set in their sights.  They wanted to be the first softball team in school history to advance to the state semifinals.  A win over King City today would fulfill that goal.

Polo came to bat first in front of a large crowd that had gathered for both sides.  Kenley Moore started the game with a leadoff triple to help set the table for the heart of Polo's lineup.  Chloe Gilbert took King City pitcher Emberlyn Medsker deep into the count.  She fouled off several pitches before a towering blast cleared the fence to put the Panthers up 2-0.  Hanna Vaught joined in on the action, and made it back-to-back home runs with a shot that just cleared the fence.  But the Panthers were not done.  Mya Heil doubled.  After Kendyl Fitzwater reached on an error by Medsker, Haley Barnett drove both of them in with a double.  Valorie Gabrielli followed with an RBI single.

Emily Schmidt and Jade Misel both grounded out, but Polo still had some 2-out magic in them.  Moore doubled in Gabrielli.  Gilbert and Vaught were both intentionally walked to load the bases.  Moore then scored on a wild pitch.  Hiel ended the 1st inning scoring with a 2-run double scoring Gilbert and courtesy runner Emersyn Parker.  The Panthers had plated 10 runners before the King City Wildkats came to the plate.

Hanna Vaught didn't waste any time with the 10-0 lead and retired all three batters she faced including a strikeout.  Polo would add a run in the second.  Barnett led off with a double and Schmidt drover her in with a sacrifice fly.  King City would get two across the plate in the bottom of the 2nd.  Tacee Catlett led off with a doubled.  Carleen Gilbert drove her in with a single.  Gilbert would score on a Kamryn Miller hit.

The Panther's Gilbert led off the 3rd and she once again blasted it over the fence for her 2nd home run of the game.  King City would get a 2-out single by Medsker, but would strand a runner.  After 3, Polo led 12-2.  King City scored the only run in the 4th to make it 12-3.  Carleen Gilbert led off with a walk and then would score after Barnett lost a fly ball in the sun off of the bat of Miller.

Polo was looking to try to end the game in the 5th via the 10-run rule.  Chloe Gilbert led off the inning.  This time King City decided they were not going to let her hit another home run and intentionally walked her a 2nd time.  The Panthers made them pay.  Vaught and Heil and back-to back singles with Heil driving in Gilbert.  Fitzwater then doubled to drive in Parker, who was running for Vaught.  Polo would add on another two runs to make it 16-3.  Hannah Vaught would then retire the first two hitters in the bottom of the 5th.  Medsker singled to extend the game.  The Catlett hit a blooper that looked like it was going to get over Fitzwater, but she made a great catch to end the game and Polo is state bound.

After the game, I caught up with Polo Coach Becky Ross and King City Coach Dottie Stoll.  You can hear it along with full postgame coverage here:

Game Stats (Unofficial)

Polo

Kenley Moore, 2-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 2B, 1 3B

Chloe Gilbert 2-2, 4 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR, 2 IBB

Hanna Vaught, 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR, 1 IBB

Mya Heil, 3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B

Kendyl Fitzwater, 1-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Haley Barnett, 2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B

Valorie Gabrielli, 1-3, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB

Emily Schmidt, 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 SF

Jade Misel, 1-4

Emersyn Parker, 2 R

Hanna Vaught (W), 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

King City

Taryn Hunter, 0-3, 2 K

Kinzie Pettijohn, 0-2

Emberlyn Medsker, 2-3

Tacee Catlett, 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B

Carleen Gilbert, 1-1, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB

Wylie McKinnon, 0-2

Kamryn Miller, 1-2, 1 RBI

Gabrielle Schnitter, 0-2, 2 K

Grace Wharton, 0-2, 2 K

Emberlyn Medsker (L), 5 IP, 15 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 3 WP

Kaylee Roberts, 0-1

Chloe Gilbert (x2) and Hanna Vaught with their Home Run Balls

Polo is State Bound

Week 8 GRC Power Poll

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Gallatin and North Andrew win big games to capture GRC titles.  Milan moves up 1 spot in this week's poll.

11-Man Power Poll

1. Gallatin (8-0; 6-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Trenton 46-6; Week 9 - vs. Princeton) Gallatin got off to a quick start with Petyon Baker hitting Isaac Bird from midfield on the 1st drive of the game to go up 7-0.  Gallatin scored on every drive of the first half and the first drive of the second half to win 46-6.  Payton Fieden had two rushing TDs and one receiving.  Draven Wright also added two rushing TDs.  Quarterback Baker had a rushing TD as well.  Gallatin clinched their 2nd consecutive (11-Man) conference championship with the win.  With a win next week, they will become the first GRC team to win back-to-back outright titles for the first time since South Harrison in 2012 and 2013.  Gallatin's GRC Championship is their 13th in school history.

2. Trenton (7-1; 5-1 GRC; Last Week #2; lost to Gallatin 46-6; Week 9 - vs. South Harrison) Trenton could not stop Gallatin all night, falling behind 40-0 in the first half.  They were plagued by turnovers with 4 fumbles lost and 1 interception.  They did get on the board in the 2nd half with a 75-yard TD run by Gabe Novak, but it was too little as they fell 46-6.

3. Putnam County (6-2; 4-2 GRC; Last Week #3; d. Maysville 48-24; Week 9 - at Polo) Putnam County had a strong first half outgaining Maysville 246-9.  Chase Tomlin and Trace Riediger had 2 TDs each for the Midgets in the 1st half.  The lead propelled Putnam County to a 48-24 win.

4. Milan (4-4; 3-3 GRC; Last Week #5; d. Polo 38-6; Week 9 - at Maysville) Milan got behind Polo early, but scored 38 straight to knock off Polo.  A key play was an 80-yard run to go up 20-6 at the end of the first half to give the Wildcats momentum.

5. Maysville (4-4; 3-3 GRC; Last Week #4; lost to Putnam County 48-24; Week 9 - vs. Milan) Maysville was not able to get any offense in the first half falling behind Putnam County 28-8.  The Wolverines ultimately fell 48-24.

6. South Harrison (2-6; 2-4 GRC; Last Week #6; d. Princeton 28-19; Week 9 - at Trenton) The Bulldogs had a 14-7 lead late in the 1st half and were able to get a key TD run from quarterback Jad Cornett to go up 22-7 with 3 sec left in the half.  Neither team scored again until 6 min left in the game when Grant Williams scored his second rushing TD of the game to go up 28-7.  Princeton scored two quick TDs to cut it to 28-19, but South Harrison hung on.  Trevor Lisle also had a 52 yard TD reception in the game.

7. Princeton (1-7; 1-5 GRC; Last Week #7; lost to South Harrison 28-19; Week 9 - at Gallatin) Talan Holt had a TD reception early in the 2nd quarter, but the Tigers fell behind 28-7 with 6:01 left in the game.  But Princeton still had some fight in them.  They struck quick when Andrew Rhoades raced past a defender and caught a 52-yard pass for a TD with 5:52 left.  They then converted an onside kick and Talan Holt made a nice spin move to get in the end zone after catching the ball from 11 yards out.  However, they ran out of time and South Harrison won the game 28-19.

8. Polo (2-6; 0-6 GRC; Last Week #8; lost to Putnam County 48-24; Week 9 - vs. Putnam County)  Polo got an early lead again, but only scored one touchdown for the 6th consecutive game.  They stayed close for most of the game, but gave up some late scores to fall 38-6.

8-Man Power Poll

1. North Andrew (7-0; 6-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Worth County 56-48; Week 9 - vs. Southwest Livingston) North Andrew edged Worth County in a back-and-forth game.  The Cardinals fell behind 28-14 early in the 2nd quarter, but rallied to take a 30-28 lead with no time left in the half.  After Worth County cut the lead to 2 with 3:45 left in the game, North Andrew scored a 32-yard touchdown from Hayden Ecker on 4th down to go up 56-48.  The stopped Worth County on their final drive to clinch the win.  Ecker finished with 297 yards rushing.  The win clinched the (8-Man) GRC Championship for the Cardinals.  It was their third 8-Man title.  They also won in 2016 and 2020.

2. Albany (7-1; 4-1 GRC; Last Week #2; d. King City 46-12; Week 9 - at Pattonsburg) Kemper Cline started the game fast with 41 yard TD run on the first drive, but then Albany fell behind King City 12-6.  The Warriors tied the game 12-12 with another Kline TD.  It was still tied at 12 when Albany stopped the Wildkats on the Warriors 2-yard line.  Albany started a drive with 1:06 left in the half.  Kline was able to connect with Porter Davis on two long passes before he ran it in from 4 for his 3rd TD of the night to put Albany up 18-12 at the half.  Albany recovered an on-side kick to start the 2nd half and Kline scored his 4th rushing TD.  Albany ultimately won the game 46-12.  Kyle Burke scored two TDs (One with a TD reception and one with a pick six) and Jerrid Bunton had a TD reception.

3. Worth County (6-2; 3-2 GRC; Last Week #3; lost to North Andrew 48-56; Week 9 - at Stanberry) Worth County got out to an early lead, but gave up a lead right at the end of the first half.  However, they were able to stay close the entire game, cutting it to 50-48 with 3:45 left in the game.  After North Andrew went up 56-48 with 3:45 left in the game, Worth County had one last opportunity to tie the game.  They were unable to connect on a long pass on 3rd down and North Andrew came away with the victory.  Tyler New was 17-23 with 239 yards and 6 touchdowns on the night.

4. King City (5-3; 2-3 GRC; Last Week #4; lost to Albany 12-46; Week 9 - vs. St. Joseph Christian) King City hung touch with Albany, taking a 12-6 lead in the first half.  Eaton had two TD passes (Ron Pulliam and Samuel Derks being the beneficiaries).  However, a late TD put the Wildkats down 18-12 at the half and they were not able to stop the Warriors losing 46-12.

5. Stanberry (3-3; 2-3 GRC; Last Week #5; lost to East Atchison 44-20; Week 9 - vs. Worth County) Stanberry fell behind East Atchison 28-6 in the first half on the way to a 44-20 loss.

6. Pattonsburg (3-5; 1-4 GRC; Last Week #6; d. St. Joseph Christian 78-48; Week 9 - vs. Albany) Pattonsburg was in a tight game with St. Joseph Christian during the first half, but scored 38 straight to start the 2nd half to propel them to a 78-48 win.  Landon Preston led the Panthers with 3 TD Receptions, Samuel Coin and Brody Langfitt both had 2 TD Receptions and Dalton Sperry had 1.  Gage Iddings also added 2 TD runs.

7. St. Joseph Christian (1-7; 0-5 GRC; Last Week #7; lost to Pattonsburg 78-48; Week 9 - at King City) The Lion were able to match Pattonsburg score for score in the 1st half.  They had the Panthers tied at 32 at halftime.  They were not able to keep up with Pattonsburg in the 2nd half; however.  Pattonsburg pulled away for the win 78-48.  Jacob Clabaugh and Cy Carlson both had a TD Reception and TD Run.  Peyton Hausman added a TD Run and Logan Hubble had a TD Reception.

Gallatin makes a statement with 46-6 win over Trenton in battle of unbeatens

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Gallatin came into Trenton in a battle of 7-0 teams.  It was the first time in 45 years that a pair of GRC 11-Man teams had met this late in the season.  Gallatin coach Chris Holt downplayed the how big of a game this was for his Bulldogs, but they came out ready to play.  

After stopping the Trenton Bulldogs on their first possession, Gallatin had a 3rd and 12 from midfield.  Isaac Bird got behind the Trenton defenders and quarterback Peyton Baker threw a bomb to him for the first score of the game.  Gallatin was up 7-0 four minutes into the game.  

Trenton once again went 3 and out on the second drive and Gallatin took advantage with 38-yard punt return by Isaac Bird that set them up at the Trenton 20-yard line and then finished the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Baker to Payton Feiden to go up 14-0.

After another stop by Gallatin, Trenton was forced to punt again.  However, this time, Gallatin fumbled on the punt.  Trenton had their first significant drive of the game and got down to the Gallatin 12. But they coughed up the ball on a bad exchange and Gallatin took over again.  It didn't take long for Gallatin to take advantage.  Draven Wright out-ran the Trenton defenders for a 75-yard rushing TD.  His PAT put Gallatin up 21-0.  

Trenton got into Gallatin territory on their next drive, but turned it over on a fumble once again.  Gallatin was able to punch it in from 15-yards out this time with a Fieden TD run.  After another 3 and out from Trenton, Gallatin got the ball at the 5 yard-line.  Fieden would get his longest run of the night on the second play of the drive with a 96-yard TD.  It was 33-0 Gallatin.  Gallatin added another TD after an interception by Boston Bell.  Baker would score from two yards out on a QB keeper to put Gallatin up 40-0 at the half.

Gallatin started the second half with the ball with a 29-yard kickoff return by Baker and finish the drive with a 11-yard TD run by Wright.  That would end the scoring for Gallatin.  They would play 2nd string most of the rest of the game.  Trenton did get a rushing TD from Gabe Novak late in the 3rd quarter from 75 yards out.  The final score was 46-6.

I talked with Gallatin coach Chris Holt and also with Tom Johnson of KTTN after the game.

 

Stats (Unofficial)

Gallatin

Passing

Peyton Baker, 5-8, 115 yards, 2 TD

Rushing

Payton Feiden, 153 yards, 2 TD

Draven Wright, 115 yards, 2 TD

Logan Bottcher, 35 yards

Peyton Baker, 29 yards, 1 TD

Eli Sperry, 4 yards

Case Chrisman, 4 yards

Stanley Hanson, -1 yard

Jaden Wilson, -11 yards

Receiving

Isaac Bird, 50 yards, 1 TD

Payton Feiden, 30 yards, 1 TD

Boston Bell, 23 yards

Logan Bottcher, 12 yards

Boston Bell, Interception

443 Total Yards, 328 Yards Rushing, 115 Yards Receiving

Trenton

Passing

Coleman Griffin, 2-6, 42 yards, 1 Int

Rushing

Gabe Novak, 86 yards, 1 TD

Sam Gibson, 25 yards

Ian Elbert, 8 yards

Coleman Griffin, 3 yards

Cameron Christy, -1 yard

Receiving

Mason Rongey, 29 yards

Tucker Otto, 13 yards

163 Total Yards, 121 Yards Rushing, 42 Yards Receiving

Albany's strong second half is key to big 46-12 win over King City

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

The Albany Warriors were tied 12-12 with the King City Wildkats and were facing a 4th down at their own 17 with just over 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.  The Warriors previous possession ended in a 4-yard punt.  This time, the punter fumbled the snap and the Wildkats recovered the ball.  King City was 11 yards away from potentially taking a halftime lead.  

King City was able to get the ball to the 2-yard line, but turned it over on downs.  Albany took over with 1:06 left on the clock, but they were 78 yards (on an 80-yard field) away from pay dirt.  After trading penalties, Kemper Cline gained a yard on the next play.  With the clock winding down, Cline was able to get a first down and get out of bounds right at the chains, but he was still 68 yards away with about 30 seconds left.  But Cline would then find Porter Davis at midfield.  A play later, Davis would streak down the sideline, and Cline delivered a perfect pass to the 4-yard line.  Cline would run it in on the next play with 5 second left to put the Warriors up 18-12.

It would be Cline's 3rd rushing touchdown of the half.  He started off the game with a 41-yard touchdown which capped off a 55-yard drive in which Cline rushed for all 55 yards.  Cline would also score from 9 yards out early in the 2nd quarter.

King City was set to get the ball first in the 2nd half, but Albany surprised them by starting with a successful onside kick.  Albany turned it into a Kline's 4th touchdown run of the game from 7 yards out on the 6th play of the drive.

After a 3 and out by King City, Albany put together another drive.  This time, Cline was on the passing end with Kyle Burke scoring on a 7-yard TD reception.  The Warriors would lead 32-12 after 3.

Albany would score two more touchdowns in the 4th quarter.  The first was on a 25-yard interception return from Burke.  He had two interceptions in the 4th quarter.  Cline would connect with Jerrid Bunten on Albany's final drive for an 11-yard TD reception to make it 46-12.

Both of King City's scores came in the first quarter on TD passes from Blakely Eaton.  The first was a pass from 29 yards to Ron Pulliam.  The second was 14 yards to Samuel Derks.

I talked with both coaches and Jered Rolves of Albany TV after the game.

Stats (Unofficial)

Albany

Passing

Kemper Cline, 8-12, 118 yards, 2 TD

Rushing

Kemper Cline, 170 yards, 4 TD

Jerrid Bunten, 78 yards

Troy Popplewell, 8 yards

Porter Davis, -1 yard

Receiving

Porter Davis, 77 yards

Kyle Burke, 30 yards, 1 TD

Jerrid Bunten, 11 yards, 1 TD

Kyle Burke, 2 interceptions, 1 TD

373 Total Yards, 255 Rushing, 118 Receiving

King City

Passing

Blakely Eaton, 7-16, 77 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int

Zeke Fisher, 1-1, -5 yards

Ty Mooney, 0-1

Rushing

Ty Mooney, 116 yards

Ryder Sample, 10 yards

Ron Pulliam, 7 yards

Blakely Eaton, 1 yard

Zeke Fisher, -1 yard

Receiving

Ron Pulliam, 56 yards, 1 TD

Samuel Derks, 14 yards, 1 TD

Ty Mooney, 2 yards

204 Total Yards, 132 Rushing, 72 Receiving

Week 7 GRC Power Poll

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Princeton moves up in the power poll with their first conference win.  Conference championships on the line in Week 8.

11-Man Power Poll

1. Gallatin (7-0; 5-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Putnam County 35-20; Week 8 - at Trenton)  Gallatin led 21-7 at halftime with TD runs by Peyton Baker, Draven Wright and Payton Feiden.  Feiden's TD was a 67-yard run.  Logan Bottcher would score from 50 yards out to make it 28-7 in the 3rd.  After a Putnam score, Baker scored on a QB keeper to make it 35-14 before a late Putnam County score completed the scoring at 35-20.

2. Trenton (7-0; 5-0 GRC; Last Week #2; d. Maysville 34-0; Week 8 - vs. Gallatin) Sam Gibson scored two rushing touchdowns in the first half to lead Trenton to a 20-0 halftime lead.  Coleman Griffin added another TD from 40 yards out on a 4th and 1.  The Bulldogs added two more TDs in the second half, including an Aiden Weyer reception to win 34-0 and a Gabe Novak rushing TD.

3. Putnam County (5-2; 3-2 GRC; Last Week #3; lost to Gallatin 35-20; Week 8 - vs. Maysville) The Midgets were able to get out to a 7-6 lead early, but Gallatin got out to a 21-7 lead by halftime.  The second half was pretty even with the Gallatin winning 35-20.

4. Maysville (4-3; 3-2 GRC; Last Week #4; lost to Trenton 34-0; Week 8 - at Putnam County) Maysville was unable to put together any offensive attack against Trenton.  They were behind 20-0 at the half and lost 34-0

5. Milan (3-4; 2-3 GRC; Last Week #5; d. South Harrison 49-20; Week 8 - vs. Polo) Milan's explosive offense in the first half combined with strong defense in the second half helped them to a 49-20 win over South Harrison.  Carlos Cotto had 3 rushing TDs along with 2 from Darren Doporto.  Both players had at least 100 yards rushing on the evening to key the Wildcat win.  Jeremy Bennett also added a touchdown reception from Ahmet Niasse.

6. South Harrison (1-6; 1-4 GRC; Last Week #6; lost to Milan 49-20; Week 8 - at Princeton) South Harrison fell behind Milan 21-0 in the first half before they were able to get their passing game going.  They did cut the deficit to 28-14 at the half, but fell 49-20.  However, the Bulldogs did have some success through the air with Jad Cornett going 18-33 with 224 yards.  He connected with both Grant Williams and Luke Sweat for TDs.  Williams also added one on the ground.  Williams had 153 total yards (106 receiving and 47 rushing)

7. Princeton (1-6; 1-4 GRC; Last Week #8; d. Polo 13-6; Week 8 - vs. South Harrison) After falling behind 6-0, Princeton tied it up at 6 late in the 1st quarter.  They scored on a big pass play late in the 3rd quarter to go up 13-6 and held on to win with that score.  The win snapped a 17-game losing streak.

8. Polo (2-5; 0-5 GRC; Last Week #7; lost to Princeton 13-6; Week 8 - at Milan)  Polo scored on a Tommy Ross touchdown in the first quarter to go up 6-0, but were not able to put any more points on the board in a 13-6 loss to Princeton.

8-Man Power Poll

1. North Andrew (6-0; 5-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Albany 58-42; Week 8 - vs. Worth County) North Andrew had a TD catch by Gunner Lawrence and Dawson Eychaner in the 3rd quarter to go up 50-20.  Albany had a furious comeback to cut the lead to 8 at 50-42.  The key play was a 4th and 9 at midfield that the Cardinals converted with 3 min left.  They would eventually score on the drive with a TD by Billy Atkins to go up 58-42.  Ecker would then intercept Kemper Cline to clinch the win and at least a share of the GRC 8-Man title.

2. Albany (6-1; 3-1 GRC; Last Week #2; lost to North Andrew 58-42; Week 8 - at King City) North Andrew got out to a 34-14 lead over Albany at halftime.  Kemper Cline connected with Jordan Davis midway through the 3rd to cut it to 34-20 before the Cardinals forged ahead 50-20.  Then the Warriors scored 22 straight to cut it to 50-42 with just over 4 minutes left in the game.  However, North Andrew was able to score one last time to win 58-42.

3. Worth County (6-1; 3-1 GRC; Last Week #3; d. Pattonsburg 82-12; Week 8 - at North Andrew) Worth County won big over Pattonsburg ahead of their big matchup against North Andrew.

4. King City (5-2; 2-2 GRC; Last Week #4; d. Schuyler County 68-22; Week 8 - vs. Albany) The Wildkats got out to a 52-14 lead at half time en route to a 68-22 win over Schuyler County.

5. Stanberry (3-3; 2-3 GRC; Last Week #5; Bye; Week 8 - at East Atchison) Stanberry had a bye during Week 7.

6. Pattonsburg (2-5; 0-4 GRC; Last Week #6; lost to Worth County 82-12; Week 8 - at St. Joseph Christian) Pattonsburg was not able to keep up with Worth County falling 82-12.

7. St. Joseph Christian (1-6; 0-4 GRC; Last Week #7; d. Northland Christian 68-0; Week 8 - vs. Pattonsburg) The Lions took advantage of 3 Northland Christian turnovers in the first quarter to go up 28-0.  Peyton Hausman and Jacob Clabaugh had rushing touchdowns along with Cy Carlson who had 2 TD receptions in the opening frame.  The Lions continued to score in the 2nd quarter netting 40 more to win 68-0 at the half.  Clabaugh added 2 more TD runs and a TD reception in the 2nd quarter.  Levi Miller also had a pick 6 for the Lions in addition to a rushing TD.  The win snapped a 31-game losing streak.

Milan knocks off South Harrison 49-20

 by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

After facing the conference's two unbeaten teams the last 2 weeks, the Milan Wildcats traveled to Bethany to face the South Harrison Bulldogs.  Both teams came into the game with a 1-3 record in conference play.  Milan started out the game fast when Carlos Cotto scored from 46 yards out.  Christian Chaparro, who was perfect on PATs on the night, made it 7-0.  After South Harrison fumbled at their own 23-yard line, Ahmet Niasse connected with Jeremy Bennett on the first play of the ensuing drive to make it 14-0.

South Harrison was unable to move the ball at all in the first quarter just netting 32 yards, all on the ground. Milan did drive to midfield, but their next drive stalled.  They ended the quarter with a 14-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Milan would once again strike fast.  After getting the ball at the own 40-yard line, Darren Doporto broke free for a 60-yard touchdown to put the Wildcats up 21-0.  The Bulldogs finally got their offense going after that.  The ground game was not working at all, but they did start to find some offense through the air.  They drove down the field 80 yards with 49 of them through the air.  The drive ended with a 5-yard run by Grant Williams.  After a 2-point conversion failed, the Bulldogs trailed 21-6.  However, Milan struck fast again on a Cotto 47-yard run up the sideline evading defenders.  It was set up by a Eduardo Garcia 28-yard kick return into Bulldog territory.  South Harrison would put together another 80-yard drive to end the half.  This time with all of it through the air.  Jad Cornett connected with Luke Sweat from 20 yards out.  After a successful 2-point conversion, the Bulldogs went into the half trailing 28-14.

The second half was a different game than the first, especially for Milan.  While they scored 28 points in the half with all 4 touchdowns coming on 1 or 2-play drives.  The second half scores were set up by great defensive or special team plays.  The third quarter was marked by good defense and neither team scored.  The last play of the third quarter was an interception by Niasse that was returned to the Bulldogs 4-yard line.  Two plays later Doporto ran it in from 3 yards out to make it 35-14 Milan.  South Harrison was able to cut it to 35-20 after a 38-yard TD pass from Cornett to Williams.

But that was all the scoring that South Harrison was able to put on the board.  South Harrison tried an onside kick after that touchdown.  It was returned by Milan's Troy Aldridge to the Bulldogs 25-yard line.  Cotto scored his 3rd rushing TD of the game from 13 yards out to make it 42-20.  Milan would then recover a fumble on South Harrison's next offensive play and scoop it up and score.  This made it 49-20, which is where the game ended.

After the game, I talked with Milan coach Mark Cole:

Here is video of South Harrison player introductions:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grand River Conference (@grandriverconf)

Stats (Unofficial)

Milan

Passing

Ahmet Niasse, 3-5, 40 yards, 1 TD

Rushing

Carlos Cotto, 135 yards, 3 TD

Darren Doporto, 100 yards, 2 TD

Ahmet Niasse, -2 yards

Receiving

Jeremy Bennett, 41 yards, 1 TD

Carlos Cotto, -1 yards

Ahmet Niasse, 1 interception (returned 58 yards)

233 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving, 273 total yards

South Harrison

Passing

Jad Cornett, 18-33, 224 yards, 2 TD, 1 int

Rushing

Grant Williams, 47 yards, 1 TD

Hunter Ackley, 1 yard

Luke Sweat, - 2 yards

Jad Cornett, -12 yards

Receiving

Grant Williams, 106 yards, 1 TD

Braxton Booth, 66 yards

Crae Coffey, 26 yards

Luke Sweat, 22 yards, 1 TD

Trevor Lisle, 7 yards

Hunter Ackley, -1 yard

38 yards rushing, 224 yards receiving, 262 total yards

Week 6 GRC Power Poll

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

No changes in the Power Poll, but big matchups loom over the next two weeks.

11-Man Power Poll

1. Gallatin (6-0; 4-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Milan 41-10; Week 7 - vs. Putnam County)  Gallatin forced 3 first quarter fumbles by Milan.  They took advantage with a 27-0 lead after one.  Wright and Feiden all TD runs.  Boston Bell connected with Bottcher and Baker connected with Feiden on TD passes.  The lead was enough for Gallatin to win 41-10.  Feiden added 2 more TDs on the ground, one from 80 yards.

2. Trenton (6-0; 4-0 GRC; Last Week #2; d. Polo 24-6; Week 7 - at Maysville) Behind another 100-yard rushing performance from both Sam Gibson and Gabe Novak, Trenton knocked off Polo 24-6.  They got off to a slow start, only leading 11-0.  A Coleman Griffin to Mason Rongey 14-yard pass put the Bulldogs up 8-0.  Sam Gibson added a field goal for the remaining first half points.  After Polo cut the lead to 11-6, Trenton scored two more touchdowns, Gabe Novak on a 32-yard run and Ian Elbert from 2 yards out, to finish the scoring at 24-6.

3. Putnam County (5-1; 3-1 GRC; Last Week #3; d. South Harrison 55-14; Week 7 - at Gallatin) Blaine Perkins started the game on the first play with a 55-yard TD run.  Putnam County never let up from there.  Trace Riediger added a 37-yard TD pass to Perkins later in the 1st quarter.  Perkins would end the scoring in the 1st quarter with an 85-yard TD run.  Putnam led 19-0 after one quarter of play.  Putnam County got out to a 33-6 lead by halftime.  Perkins and Chase Tomlin both scored a TD in the 2nd.  The Midgets continued to put points on the board in the second half, winning 55-14.  Perkins added 2 more TDs in the second half to end the night with 6 TDs.

4. Maysville (4-2; 3-1 GRC; Last Week #4; d. Princeton 28-12; Week 7 - vs. Trenton) Maysville had a dominant first half to lead 22-0.  Kris Gabbard had 2 TD's after Spencer Pliley scored the initial TD.  Maysville held on in the 2nd half to win 28-12.  The second half was a bit sluggish, but the defense was good enough to win.  Gabbard scored his 3rd TD of the night in the 4th quarter.

5. Milan (2-4; 1-3 GRC; Last Week #5; lost to Gallatin 41-10; Week 7 - at South Harrison) Three early fumbles put Milan behind a good Gallatin team early.  They fell behind 27-0 after 1.  They were able to outscore Gallatin 10-0 in the second, including a field goal by Christian Shapiro late in the half, but Gallatin pulled away 41-10.

6. South Harrison (1-5; 1-3 GRC; Last Week #6; lost to Putnam County 55-14;  Week 7 - vs. Milan) South Harrison fell behind 19-0 through the first quarter.  The Bulldogs would score a TD in the 2nd quarter on a Jad Cornett to Luke Sweat TD pass, but trailed 33-6 at the half.  They would add another TD in the second half by Luke Sweat on a fumble recovery, but fell 55-14.

7. Polo (2-4; 0-4 GRC; Last Week #7; lost to Trenton 24-6; Week 7 - vs. Princeton)  Polo fell behind 11-0 to Trenton at the half.  They were able to cut it to 11-6 early in the third before Trenton pulled away 24-6 with a couple of TDs in the second half.  Maverick Gentry with a TD pass to Ayden Baker for Polo's score.

8. Princeton (0-6; 0-4 GRC; Last Week #8; lost to Maysville 28-12; Week 7 - at Polo) After falling behind 22-0 at the half, Princeton had a very good 2nd half, outscoring Maysville 12-6 and outgaining them 119-47.  Talan Holt scored 2 TDs (one from Andrew Rhoades and one from Clay Evans) in the 2nd half.

8-Man Power Poll

1. North Andrew (5-0; 4-0 GRC; Last Week #1; d. Stanberry 54-6; Week 7 - at Albany) North Andrew started their first possession with Hayden Ecker running for 61 yards including a 41-yard TD.  They would add a 63-yard TD by Braxon Linville on their next drive to lead 16-0 after 1st quarter.  The Cardinals would score on their first 7 drives of the game leading 40-0 at the half and winning 54-6.

2. Albany (6-0; 3-0 GRC; Last Week #2; d. St. Joseph Christian 64-0; Week 7 - vs. North Andrew) After two 2-point wins against top 5 teams, Albany was able to win big against St. Joseph Christian.  The game ended 64-0 at halftime.

3. Worth County (5-1; 2-1 GRC; Last Week #3; d. Knox County 76-24; Week 7 - vs. Pattonsburg) Worth County went out of conference and didn't have any problem in knocking off Knox County 76-24.

4. King City (4-2; 2-2 GRC; Last Week #4; d. Rock Port 72-36; Week 7 - at Schuyler County) King City got out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter, but mistakes in the 2nd quarter hurt the Wildkats falling behind 28-20.  However, a strong start to the second half helped propel King City to a 72-36 win.

5. Stanberry (3-3; 2-3 GRC; Last Week #5; lost to North Andrew 54-6; Week 7 - Bye) Stanberry fell behind early and could not keep up with North Andrew.  It was 40-0 at the half and the Bulldogs were behind 54-0 before they were able to get on the board with just under 7 min left in the game when Brayden Hahn scored on a 9-yard TD run.

6. Pattonsburg (2-4; 0-3 GRC; Last Week #6; d. Rick Hill 64-24; Week 7 - at Worth County) Pattonsburg got their second win of the season, defeating winless Rich Hill 64-24.

7. St. Joseph Christian (0-6; 0-4 GRC; Last Week #7; lost to Albany 64-0; Week 7 - vs. Northland Christian) The Lions ran into a very talented Albany team and was not able to get into the end zone losing 64-0 in a game that ended at the half.

South Harrison wins the GRC Girls Golf Championship; Abby Owens of South Harrison is the Individual Champion

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

South Harrison won the GRC Girls Golf Conference Championship today at Cameron.  They shot 424 to lead all teams.  Members of the South Harrison team are Abby Owens, Ashlee Cannon, Chloe Hodge and Paige Beaty.  Owens captured the individual championship with a score of 89.  Cannon shot a season-low of 98.  Beaty posted a personal record with a 116, and Hodge shot a 121.

South Harrison's conference title is their first since 2008.

Here are the top 10 individual results:

1. Abby Owens, South Harrison - 89
2. Abbie Koenen, Putnam County - 90
3. Elle Copple, Gallatin - 95
4. Ashlee Cannon, South Harrison - 98
5. Bridgette Hightshoe, Worth County - 100
6. Courtney Crose, Gallatin - 100
7. Hannah Riner, Maysville - 102
8. Hayley Sweiger, Maysville - 105
9. Claire Renfro, Maysville - 107
10. Eliana Cowling, Trenton - 111

Photo of Top 10 (in order of finish)

Photo Credit: John Cowling

Team Standings:

1. South Harrison 424 (Owens 89, Cannon 98, Beaty 116, Hodge 121)
2. Maysville 438 (Riner 102, Sweiger 105, Renfro 107, Popplewell 124, Hahn 132)
3. Gallatin 445 (Copple 95, Crose 100, Kirk 124, Leeper 126, Critten 137)
4. Worth County 467 (Hightshoe 100, Engel 114, Sanders 120, Schmitz 133, Steele 151)
5. Putnam County 483 (Koenen 90, Turner 127, Hamilton 131, Gillis 135, Rhoads 150)
6. Albany 486 (B. Wink 116, Holcomb 117, H. Wink 124, Anthony 129)
7. Trenton 500 (Cowling 111, Weldon 112, Ireland 138, Otto 139, Brown 141)
8. King City 547 (Staley 115, Boone 137, Sansone 147, Poling 148)

South Harrison Team Photo

Photo Credit: South Harrison Lady Bulldogs Golf Facebook Page

The following competed as individuals, but did not have enough for team standings:

North Harrison (Rinehart 122)

Princeton (Moreno 127)

Stanberry (Wright 117, Sherman 121, Derks 140)

October 8 GRC Softball Tournament Schedule

4 GRC Schools will be participating in 2 Softball Tournaments on October 8.  Here is the schedule for each tournament:

Benton

Polo

George C Skurlock

Albany, Gallatin, Princeton

Maysville's dominant first half is enough to knock off Princeton 28-12 on homecoming night

by Jeremy Benson, GrandRiverConference.com

Maysville Wolverines outgained Princeton 262 to 25 yards in the first half to take a 22-0 lead.  Despite a lackluster second half for the Wolverines, they were victorious on homecoming night 28-12.

The Wolverines ran for 232 yards on the ground in the opening half which included a 78-yard drive completely on the ground on Maysville's second drive.  The key play on the drive was a 56-yard run by Coy Sobotka.  It appeared that he broke free for a touchdown, but was tripped up at the 8-yard line.  However, Spencer Pliley was able to score from 8 yards on the next play.  Sobotka caught the conversion from Kris Gabbard to put the Wolverines up 8-0.

The next two drives resulted in a fumble and turnover on downs for Maysville, but their defense kept Princeton from threatening.  With 2:37 left in the half, Maysville scored again on a 11-yard QB keeper from Gabbard.  He would add another touchdown with just 8 seconds left from 7 yards out.  Maysville would go into halftime up 22-0.

Princeton showed signs of life in the 2nd half.  They drove into Maysville territory on the first drive. Despite having to punt, it was their first positive drive into Wolverine territory.  After Maysville went 3 and out, the Tigers struck on the next play.  Andrew Rhoades found Talan Holt who made a catch over the defender, straddled the sideline and scored from 48 yards out to put the Tigers on the board.

Princeton's defense also tightened up in the 2nd half.  The Wolverines only had 5 yards in the 3rd quarter and finished the half with 47 yards.  However, they were able to score again after an interception set them up in Princeton territory at the 36.  Gabbard scored his 3rd rushing TD on the night from 17 yards out to make it 28-6.  Princeton would add a touchdown in the last minute on a 9-play drive that ended with a Clay Evans to Holt TD pass from 28 yards out.

I caught up with both coaches after the game:

I have been recording player introductions for the home team each week. Here is Maysville's:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grand River Conference (@grandriverconf)

Stats (Unofficial)

Maysville

Passing

Kris Gabbard, 3-10, 28 yds, 1 int

Rushing

Spencer Pliley, 112 yds, 1 TD

Kris Gabbard, 99 yds, 3 TD

Coy Sobotka, 60 yds

Kaleb Jestes, 10 yds

Receiving

Trey Hall, 15 yds

Kobyn Metzger, 8 yds

Kaleb Jestes, 5 yds

Team - 281 yards rushing, 28 yards receiving, 309 total yards

Princeton

Passing

Clay Evans, 5-7, 42 yds, 1 TD

Andrew Rhoades, 1-6, 48 yds, 1 TD

Tyler Coffman, 0-1

Rushing

Andrew Rhoades, 36 yds

Ethan Rhoades, 27 yds

Tyler Coffman, -3 yds

Clay Evans, -6 yds

Receiving

Talan Holt, 82 yds, 2 TDs

Andrew Rhoades, 7 yds

Kelby Thomas, 1 yd

Team - 54 yards rushing, 90 yards receiving, 144 total yards