Grove Steps on Miami Wardogs 34-20

Extends Season Record to 8-0

The Grove Ridgerunners proved that smaller and quicker can bring down a larger opponent by defeating Miami's Wardogs Thursday night 34-20, extending this season's record to 8-0 for the first time in memory.

Grove's first touchdown came only 15 seconds into the game on its first offensive play, with a 63-yard pass play from Senior quarterback Darius Hopper to wide receiver Dusty Gehrke. Gehrke broke out of the pack so quickly the nearest tackler was in Welch. The score stood at 7-0 with the clock at only 11:45.

Hopper, at 5'10", and his opposite, Wardog quarterback Grant Longcrier at 6'2", seemed to typify the difference in the two teams.

Looking across the field the Wardogs seemed to be a head taller than Miami, but Grove moved more quickly and appeared to be all over the field on defense.

Miami now goes to 5-3 on the season.

Miami's first score came at 5'59" left in the first quarter after a nine play six minute drive, with a pass to James Pickens in the corner of the end zone good for 11 yards. The point after attempt missed, making the score 7-6.

Grove's next drive took only five plays to score with a third down, 45-yard pass play from Hopper to Junior half back Michael Hudgens. The extra point was good bringing the score to 14-6 with 3'29" left in the first quarter.

Miami's next drive ended with a quarterback sack by Grove's Bobby Harris and R.J. Brantley and an incomplete pass on fourth down. Now into the second quarter, Grove took over on the 27 yard line and ran into penalty trouble, a holding call on first and 10; another holding call on third and 12; and a pass interference call on third and 25. This drive ended with a punt from Grove's 27 yard line which was fumbled and recovered by Miami's Trent Turner on the Wardogs 30.

The rest of the second quarter saw excellent play by Grove's Corey Davenport and Darius Hopper and the half ended at 14-6.

In the third quarter Miami ran into penalty troubles with a face mask call, illegal motion, delay of game call, and ended up kicking to Grove, taken out of bounds on the 23 yard line.

After mixing up a series of run and pass plays Grove moved to the Wardogs 27.
On second and one, Hopper threw a quick pass to Jesse Hale which resulted in first and goal from the one, with Hopper smashing it over the line with a quarterback sneak. The extra point was no good leaving the score 20-06 with 4 minutes left in the half.

Another Grove scoring opportunity late in the second quarter was thwarted when Hopper threw an interception to Miami's Nick Henson on the Wardogs 22 yard line. But Grove's R.J. Bartley returned the favor by intercepting a Miami pass attempt and returning it to the Wardogs eight yard line.

Hopper then ran through the middle for another six points with two seconds left. The point after was good ending the third quarter at 27-6 Grove.

The fourth quarter begin with an interception by Grove Junior Corey Davenport who returned the ball for a touchdown. Grove 34, Wardogs 6. At this point Grove was well in control of the ball game. Grove appeared to be quicker, and well coached. But Miami's Longcrier was downright scary in the dominating way he moved the ball, mowing down tacklers along the way.

Grove's kickoff was taken at the Wardogs 16 by Trent Turner and run to the 28. After a nine play drive Miami scored with a Longcrier pass bringing the score to 34-12 after a two point try failed.

Miami's last score came with only 26 seconds left in the game with a Longcrier run and a successful two point try making the score 34-20. Miami's on-side kick attempt was recovered by Grove and Miami, out of time outs, could not stop the clock.

Standout players for Grove included Hopper, Davenport, Bartley, Gehrke, and Hudgens.
Grove's next opponent is Wagner, followed by Collinsville and Idabel. Grove is ranked #2 in Class 4-A play behind Bishop McGuinness.

(our thanks to spotters Carla Mills and Bob Henkle)