Grayson dominates clock, East Paulding for win

Grayson used a long-term and short-term approach Friday night to beat East Paulding 17-7 in the second round of the Class AAAAA playoffs.

The Rams (12-0) used a 20-play scoring drive that consumed more than 10 minutes and a five-play drive that required just 41 seconds and turned away the visiting Raiders at Britt Mooney Field.

Grayson’s offensive dominance, combined with a defense that allowed only 166 yards, enabled the Rams to advance to the third round, where they meet two-time defending champion Lowndes.

Ean Pemberton was the offensive star again for Grayson. The 5-foot-3 senior ran 29 times for 162 yards, nearly outgaining the East Paulding team.

Grayson got behind early when East Paulding (9-3) scored on its first possession. Quarterback Jesse Groover lofted a pass down the right sideline that hit Ed Cazanave in stride for a 61-yard touchdown that stunned the crowd.

Enough of that, Grayson said. The Rams took over at their 24 and methodically moved the ball downfield behind its big offensive line and tricky Wing-T offense. Twice on the drive Grayson converted on fourth down. And only two plays on the drive picked up more than 10 yards, including a halfback-option pass from Pemberton to quarterback Tyler Horne that was stopped at the 1.

The drive ate clock, too. The Rams started the drive with 6:39 left in the first quarter and didn’t conclude until 250-pound Terry Williams — best known as a defensive stalwart — rammed it in from the 1. Williams then powered in for a two-point conversion after an East Paulding penalty moved the ball half the distance.

After three exchanges, Grayson began its second scoring drive at its own 15 with just 1:09 left, seemingly too far for a run-oriented team to drive before the half. Pemberton picked up 19 on the first play, and Horne hit Kori Gaines for a 39-yard pass that reached the East Paulding 34. Two plays later Pemberton raced around the left end and somehow dragged a defender into the end zone.

Grayson added a 33-yard field goal by Austin Clark with 4:54 left in the third quarter and was content to allow its defense to do its thing. The Rams refused to budge on defense, limiting East Paulding to 55 yards rushing and putting pressure on Groover, who completed his first four passes, but finished 7-for-20 with one interception.