Week 7 Preview: Grant (4-2) vs. Sprague (4-2)

When:
Friday, Oct. 17th, 3:30 PM
Where:
Grant Bowl, Grant High School
Game Coverage:
Grant Football Twitter
Oregonian Game of the Week Coverage

Homecoming. The word conjures up images of high school past. I still consider my senior homecoming game my favorite to ever play in. A defensive struggle that we won with a last second field goal. Usually the best game in terms of student support, Grant’s homecoming game just got even bigger. This week’s game is scheduled as The Oregonian’s Game of the Week.

Coming into the bowl this week is the Sprague Olympians, the fourth place team out of the Greater Valley Conference. Boasting an offense averaging over 40 points a contest, this Friday at the Bowl could turn into an offensive shoot out.

Coming off of last week’s 51-7 win over Cleveland, the Generals are getting their first look at a playoff caliber opponent since the second week of the season. While I predict both Lincoln and Wilson to be in the playoffs, Sprague has proven to be capable of competing with the state’s elite this year, and is simply on another level of talent compared to the competition the Generals have seen in league play this season.

Another interesting subject to consider this week is the influence a big win could have on Grant’s position in the power rankings come playoff time. While they will be guaranteed a home playoff game if they beat Roosevelt and clinch the PIL championship, improving their ranking might let the Generals host in the second round as well.

Big atmosphere, media coverage, a likely packed home stadium, this is what playing football is all about. This is the week where we will get a glimpse into what this Grant team will look like in November.

Being able to contend for a state title is all about how fast your team gets into playoff form. Diallo Lewis and the Generals will get their chance to prove they belong in the conversation to make a deep playoff run this week, and nobody’s more excited to see than the Grant High community.

Grant’s Keys to Victory:

Limit Big Plays:
This season has been a bit of a roller coaster for the Generals. When they are able to limit the opponent’s ability to move the ball via big chunk plays is when they’ve been at their best. Stopping Sprague’s high scoring offense will be vital to Grant’s success.

Defense Continues to Dominate:
While Grant’s offense had been getting a lot of praise for the numbers they’ve put up the last month, the defense had been equally impressive, if not more so. Just consider this stat: over the last month, Grant has given up just 7 total points in the first half of four games. If Grant can force quick three-and-outs to get their offense the ball in good field position, look for Mike Waters and company to strike quickly.

Win in the Trenches:
A large part of Grant’s four game winning streak has to be attributed to their line getting it done on both sides of the ball. Look for this game to be won in the box, as both teams like to run the ball with physicality.

Play in the Moment:
Homecoming in the Bowl is something special. Easily the biggest game of this season, this game has a lot riding on it for the Generals. Even with the big game atmosphere, Grant must try to play for each other and as a unit with passion and pride if they want to pull this win out. It will be quite interesting to see how this group reacts to the bright lights finally being on them.

Prediction:

Grant + 7:
This game intrigues me as it is a great match up to see what this Grant team is made of. The state’s elite programs all have the ability to run the ball, as does this Sprague team. Grant must show the will to be disciplined and have several role players step up if they hope to make a deep playoff run this year. The playoffs essentially start this week for Grant with how the power rankings system works, meaning each week the games get more and more meaningful. I believe in this team’s will to win at this point in the year, and a team that wants nothing more than to win no matter the cost is always dangerous to play.

Generals get in Gear, Throttle Cleveland 51-7

If you haven’t noticed over the last month, The Grant Generals are beginning to run like a well-oiled machine.

That hasn’t been more apparent than it was on Thursday night, as Grant was in control from the start and seemed to never let up as if to make a statement loud enough for more than just the rest of the PIL to hear.

Playing without starting quarterback Sam Davis, the offense didn’t miss a beat as they scored on their first six possessions. After a three-and-out on Cleveland’s first drive the Generals marched 75 yards in 15 plays, getting a touchdown from senior Mike Waters to go ahead 8-0 with 5:17 left in the first quarter.

After fumbling the kickoff, Cleveland seemed to watch the game slip out of their hands before the first quarter had ended. Junior Luke Davis showed he’s not the only Davis on the roster that can lead the offense, finding senior Chris Lewis for a 31-yard strike.

Cleveland’s offense fought back with an 8-yard touchdown from senior Scott Brant to Brandon Gastelum-Plata to cut the score to 15-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Davis again led the Generals down the field on the next drive, adding his second touchdown on a four yard pass to senior Eli Willman with just under ten minutes left in the half.

After the varsity debut and first touchdown by freshman quarterback Demarcus Singleton on the next drive, Grant was ahead 27-7 and showed no signs of slowing down.

Another Cleveland fumble resulted in Waters’ second touchdown on the night, making the score 34-7 with 4:35 left before intermission. The senior runningback added to his impressive campaign by finishing with two touchdowns on 23 carries, contributing 143 of the General’s 246 rushing yards.

Davis yet again led the Generals to pay dirt, needing just two plays and under a minute to go 76 yards and finishing with a 32-yard fade to Lewis for a 41-7 lead going into halftime.

A Joey Kenney field goal and a 52-yard touchdown from sophomore James Bullock accounted for the final score in the one-sided contest.

Having Luke Davis go 14-16 for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns forced Cleveland to commit to defending the pass, opening up the box for the offensive line and Waters to feast at times.

The Generals are firing on all cylinders going into the two most important weeks of the year. This week’s homecoming game against Sprague (4-2, 16th in OSAA power rankings) is Grant’s only remaining game that can boost their position in the rankings before the season ends.

Couple that with what could be a chance to clinch the league title against Roosevelt on October 24th, and the importance of the next ten days becomes abundantly clear.

If Grant can get through the next two weeks and get some of their injured contributors healthy, they could be a dark horse to make a playoff run come November, quite the turn around from last year’s 2-8 record.

Next week’s game against Sprague with kick-off at 3:30 PM from the Grant Bowl.

The Local Bite: Cleveland Week

Wow, what a week last week! The Generals got the win in convincing style, and there was multiple huge upsets among the college ranks.

This week your Generals will be traveling over to 26th Ave. to take on the Cleveland Warriors. Personally, I’m excited for this game because Cleveland’s stadium is one of my favorites in the PIL. The addition of turf will only improve the ambiance for this week. Couple that with the amazing array of food options in Southeast Portland, and you’ve got the recipe for a great beginning of a long weekend.

A 7 o’clock kickoff means there will be plenty of time for you and your friends or family to grab some grub before the game. Remember though, that this game is on Thursday night since Friday is a school in-service day. This week we’ve got three great restaurants for you to check out, all within ten minutes of the stadium.

Shut Up & Eat Sandwich Shop:

If you’re looking a a great sub, there aren’t many better options than Shut Up & Eat. Reasonably priced sandwiches and some amazing side dishes (macaroni salad, butternut squash, etc.) make this an excellent option for anyone. Make sure to check this establishment out before kickoff as they close at 8:00 PM on Thursdays.
Menu:
Shut Up & Eat Menu
Hours:
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location:
3848 SE Glisan Street

Little Big Burger:
Sliders, fries, sodas, and floats, what more could you ask for in quick and delicious food? Several different options for your burger (lettuce wrap, goat cheese, and a secret menu) and quick service make this place a popular attraction to many in the area. Out of the three restaurants, this place offers the most flexibility in terms of time as it is open late each night.
Menu:
Little Big Burger Menu
Hours:
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location:
3704 SW Bond Ave

Tennessee Red’s:
If BBQ is your meal of choice, you have to check this place out. Several different specials for each day of the week, and a great atmosphere for both family and friends. Make sure to check this place out after the game to watch highlights of the day’s sports action on their big screen TVs.
Menu:
Tennessee Red’s Menu
Hours:
11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Location:
2133 SE 11th Ave

Generals Make Statement, Crush Cards 37-7

Potential.

That was the word on many people’s mind after watching the Grant Generals throttle Lincoln at the Grant Bowl on Friday afternoon.

This year’s Generals had the potential to win during the week leading up to this game according to many coaches and news outlets around the area. Most had Lincoln as a slight favorite, but Grant silenced many of their critics, and did so in emphatic style.

After a fumble by running back Mike Waters on their first possession, Grant’s defense showed its own potential in quickly getting their first turnover just three plays later on a Da’Marea Stigler interception.

After the turnover, the east-side boys wasted no time getting their offense on a roll. Quarterback Sam Davis hit Stigler for 31 yards on a screen pass. Waters capped the drive with a touchdown from five yards out to go up 7-0.

The defense continued to dominate as Grant stopped Lincoln in the redzone, turning another stop into points from Waters, this time getting a 49-yard gallop to go up 14-0 with 2:44 left in the first quarter.

On the next drive, senior quarterback Sam Davis got the job done through the air, finding Eli Willman for a 21-0 lead. Davis (13-15, 209 yards, 2 TD) was near perfect through the air, which prevented the Cards from stacking the box and opened up the opportunity for Waters to create with his feet all afternoon.

Contributing on the receiving end was senior Chris Lewis (6 catches, 80 yards), Eli Willman (3 for 47, TD), and 4 others with at least one catch.

Another Waters touchdown, this time from thirty-five yards out, seemed to all but ice the game before the first half was over.

Sam Davis’ first rushing touchdown of the year was from two yards out and put the Generals ahead 34-0 to open the second half. With star running back John Duffy sidelined from an ankle injury in the first half, Lincoln seemed content to continue to run the ball, essentially trying to get out of the Grant Bowl as fast as they could.

Kicker Joey Kenney converted a 42-yard field goal to open the fourth quarter, making the score 37-0 and taking Lincoln further into their own nightmare. The lone bright spot for the Cardinal came on the ensuing kickoff, as Michael Angyus took it 88 yards for the only Lincoln points on the day.

With the win, Grant improved to 3-2 (3-0) on the year, and Lincoln dropped to 2-3 (1-1) with the loss.

Potential. People came into the afternoon giving the Generals a slim chance at winning. They left, however, thinking this team could potentially win the PIL, and possibly steal a
home playoff game come November.

But first things first, this Grant team will visit Cleveland High School this Thursday, kickoff set for 7 PM.

Week 5 Preview: Lincoln (2-2) at Grant (2-2)

When:
Friday, October 3rd, 4:00 PM
Where:
Grant Bowl, Grant High School
Game Coverage:
Grant Football Twitter
Live Game Updates

Throughout the last few years, there has been something missing in the PIL. For the past four years the majority of the league’s schools competed on the 5A level, meaning the annual game between Grant and Lincoln seemed to have less excitement surrounding it.

Boy has that changed. Everyone’s back in 6A, and most have had this game circled as the PIL game of the year since the schedule came out this summer. PIL title on the line, possibly home field advantage in the playoffs, and most importantly bragging rights over your cross-town rivals, how much more of a reason do you need to be excited?

The Generals come into this game seemingly getting closer to playoff form each day. After blasting Wilson last week, there is a buzz going around the school as this game grows closer.

Yet another point adding intrigue to this Friday’s game is the fact that Lincoln will be visiting the Grant Bowl for the first time ever. To say this is a huge chance for the Generals would be quite the understatement.

Lincoln comes into the game off of a 61-6 beatdown of Franklin and seems to have their offense firing on all cylinders. Senior running back John Duffy is the state’s leading rusher and has the ability to score anytime he touches the ball.

This is a game where the Generals have a chance to stamp their mark on the league with a signature win. Look for this team to come out of the gates ready to go.

Grant Keys to Victory:

Play Together:
There is a quote that I hold close to my heart as it is something I’ve found to be quite accurate. The quote says “it’s amazing how much can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit.” Grant must play this way if they hope to win this week. The wing-t is a complicated offense to defend, and often not a glorious game to pad your stats as it is all about doing YOUR assignment every single play. If Grant can solely focus on winning the game as a team, their chances will be much better than if their concerns lay elsewhere.

Control the Line of Scrimmage:

We’ve said this the last two weeks, but it applies every week. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be key as this is where the game will be won. Grant’s ability to run the ball has been impressive, but has only been effective as a result of the improvement of the offensive line. If this group continues to improve then look for the Generals to be one of the more explosive offenses in the state.

Play with No Regrets:
As the old saying goes “you only get one chance at a first impression.” This is the first time Lincoln travels to the Bowl, and that should be something on this group of seniors’ minds. They have the opportunity to make a statement in heir final go-around in the Crosstown Clash.

Play Disciplined:
Last week’s 21 penalties were an absolute disaster. This group must get better at the fundamentals of the game and play within the rules if they expect to play late into the playoffs. This group is too smart and talented to be committing the amount of penalties they have this year.

Love to Hate:
We all have that little tick that can set us off, that little voice in our ear that can really knows how to push our buttons. For Grant, that voice is Lincoln, and the Generals need to learn to hate that voice with a passion. These games are rivalry games for a reason. Learning to let something you hate motivate you can be healthy at times, and this Friday at 4:00 PM we will see just how motivated and together this team has really become.