Robert Haddocks
With the game on the line, Grayson made a goal line stand and held on for a 14-10 win over Archer.
After a 67-yard completion, Archer lined up inside the Rams’ two-yard line. But as seconds ticked away Grayson, led by Justin Young, Mykelle McDaniel and Chris Martin, stuffed four consecutive runs. Archer quarterback Gabe Tiller tried to sneak in the last two, but he was met by a wall of defenders.
“The finish was incredible,” said Grayson coach Mickey Conn, whose Rams improved to 3-0, 1-0 in Region 8-AAAAAA. “What they did was unbelievable. It was a great win for the team and the program, beating an arch rival. (Archer) just wouldn’t go away.”
The win continues a turnaround for the Rams, who were 4-6 last season. “The ball didn’t bounce our way, but now things are,” Conn said.
Archer, which went undefeated in winning the region title last year, drops to 0-3, 0-1.
Conn credited his defense, which came in allowing only eight points per game, for sparking the Rams’ resurgence. Grayson has seven new starters up front, but “they’re a lot bigger and more physical and able to stop the run.” Grayson limited Archer to 78 yards on 32 carries.
Grayson took a 14-3 lead into halftime, but Archer trimmed the lead to 14-10 with a 62-yard touchdown pass from Tiller to Kyle Davis to start the third quarter.
After receiving the opening kickoff, Grayson scored on its third play from scrimmage. Deshaun Warren streaked past the defense and quarterback Chase Brice hit him in stride down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. “We came out and got the show started,” Conn said.
Brice threw a 12-yard touchdown to Hunter Shuessler in the second quarter to give Grayson a 14-3 lead. Archer’s only points in the half came on a 55-yard field goal from Cole Fisher.
Brice completed 14 of 25 passes for 210 yards. Cameron Brent led all rushers with 87 yards on 23 carries.
Archer committed 17 penalties (147 yards) and Grayson committed 10 (164 yards). Tiller threw for a game-high 212 yards. Davis led all receivers with 113 yards on five catches.
G – Deshaun Warren 75 pass from (Austin Hoyt kick)
A – Cole Fisher 55 FG
G – Hunter Schuessler 12 pass from Chase Brice (Hoyt kick)
A – Kyle Davis 66 pass from Gabe Tiller (Fisher kick)
Grayson – 7 – 7 – 0 – 0 – 14
Archer – 0 – 3 – 7 – 0 – 10
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