Grant coughs it up: turnovers and penalties prove deadly in 17-14 loss to Madison

There’s those games you lose where you tip your cap to the other team because they were simply better that day. Then there’s those games that you look back on and know you beat yourself. Friday night’s lose by Grant would fall under that later category.

The Generals started fast on defense getting an interception from sophomore Grant Ewell Jr. that was returned to the Madison 20, but the offense came up empty and would be held scoreless for the first quarter.

After a Madison field goal from 34 yards, Grant drove 66 yards in 11 plays with junior slot James Bullock scoring on a run from 4 yards out. Kicker Jacob Andrews point-after attempt hit the left upright leaving the Generals up 6-3.

Madison drove deep into Grant territory during the ensuing drive, but couldn’t convert on fourth down. Senior quarterback Luke Davis took the Generals down the field, connecting with senior Malique Griffin for a 34-yard strike. The 2-point conversion by Davis left the score at 14-3 and the Generals feeling in control at half, even after failing to convert deep in Madison territory to end the second quarter.

Grant saw the game’s momentum change after failing to score twice in the redzone to open the second half. A fumble by Ewell lead to Madison’s first touchdown on a 26-yard strike, cutting the lead to 14-10 with nine minutes left in the game. Grant seemed to take control again on the following drive, but had an 82-yard run by Luke Davis called back on a questionable sideline interference call against the Generals.

The next drive proved to be the pivotal one in the game. The Senators took over in Grant territory and needed just over two minutes to take the lead, with junior receiver Isaia Mullen winning a jump ball over junior corner Dee Wallace. After trading turnovers, the Generals gotthe ball   back with 2:34 left yet couldn’t mount a game winning drive.

For Grant, Davis was 9-21 passing for 106 yards and a touchdown while being intercepted once. Other key contributions included Ewell’s 151 total yards and 2 interceptions, and Malique Griffin’s 3 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

The Good, Bad, & Ugly:

Good:

Taking control early: Grant seemed to show up and own the momentum of the game during the first half. A swarming defense lead to two turnovers in the first half and the Generals had opportunities to close the door early.

Bad:

Penalties: The Generals had 15 penalties for 124 yards, including having two touchdowns and two first downs called back during key moments in the game. If Grant wants to compete for a playoff spot in a much improved PIL, they will have to clean up the amount of mental mistakes they make quickly.

Ugly:

Defensive backfield: Outside of Ewell’s two interceptions, the defensive backs gave up too many easy completions and at times left Madison receivers open for uncontested catches. The back five will have to play better in the coming weeks or it will be a long season for the young Generals.

Grant has a mountain to climb if they want to contend for the league title, but the focus must be on the next opponent. Next week we will host Cleveland for our Homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 in the Grant Bowl. Stay tuned for coverage of the team leading up to the game.

Go Generals! 

General Grub: where to eat before kickoff against Madison

All in. This week there’s a different feeling at the Grant Bowl with Madison on the schedule. The team will say that this is just another game and they’re focused on getting better each week, there’s a certain sense of bitterness when the subject of this week’s opponent is mentioned. While both teams are winless coming into this week, this clash has been anticipated all summer and will live up to the billing come Friday night.

The PIL is entering league play, meaning we’re getting into the thick of the high school season. Personally that means I prematurely celebrate Halloween for the next six weeks while eating unhealthy amounts of candy and binge watch football. For the Generals, it means a seven week sprint towards a league title and the state playoffs. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, however, let’s take a look at a couple of great places to grab a bite to eat before the 7:30 kickoff at Madison.

Stanich’s   

Easily accessible if you’re in a rush before the game, Stanich’s has been a staple of fast, quality food since they first opened in 1949.  Some of the best burgers in town, this place provides a great atmosphere both before and after the games as they stay open late on the weekends.

Info:

Menu

Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM on Friday

Killer Burger:  

Ever-popular in Portland, Killer Burger serves up some of the most unique burgers in the country (there first item on the menu is their peanut butter, pickle, bacon burger) that makes it stand out in a culturally rich city when it comes to food. Getting to this place after the game will be next to impossible as the doors are closed at 10 PM.

Info:

Menu

Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM on Friday

Meet a General: Calvin Scott 

Position: Tackle

Year: Senior

Favorite place to eat: Pho Van

Favorite musician: Future Hendrix

Favorite book: Captain Underpants

What sparked your interest in football: Coach Ackerman told me to play

Favorite memory from last season: Destroying Lincoln

Favorite TV show: Courage the Cowardly Dog

Favorite movie: The Iron Giant

iPhone or Android: iPhone

Class you most look forward to: Strength & Conditioning

PlayStation, Xbox, or Wii: Xbox

Post-graduation aspirations: That college grind.

That’s all for tonight everyone, tune in tomorrow for more coverage. As always: Go Generals!

Week 3 Preview: Grant (0-2) @ Madison (0-2)

  When: Friday, September 18th 7:30 P.M.

Where: Madison High School

Game Coverage: 

Grant Football Twitter

OregonLive Updates

PIL play is finally here. For the Grant Generals that means the chance to prove that they are a legitimate contender within their league. First up on the slate is a trip to 82nd Avenue to take on the recharged Madison Senators. While the program was in shambles when coach Don Johnson was hired this offseason, a newfound confidence has the kids at Madison believing they can compete with the top teams in the PIL week in and week out.

Coming off of the humbling experience of playing Sherwood last week it will be a challenge to refocus for a pivital league game, but one that this group can meet. Head Coach Randy Heath has Grant ready for the battle it will be to defend their league championship, and the first hurdle will be Don Johnson’s Senators this week.

Johnson, often criticized for his brash style and over the top on-field demeanor, has some talented skill position players capable of changing the game at any point. Couple that with an aggressive playing style and it starts to become clear that this team will be battling for playoff contention come season’s end.

The Senators are looking to bounce back after a disappointing preseason that included last week’s loss to Hood River Valley. With Isaia Mullen on the outside and threats such as Daniel Green and Wyryor Noil in the backfield, this team has the ability to hurt you if your eyes aren’t disciplined from play one. Having said that, let’s take a look at this week’s keys to the game.

Focus on the present: Last week is last week. There’s nothing to be said beyond that. Having Madison in the crosshairs should be the only thing on Grant’s mind this week. That’s who’s in the way of what the Generals want, so that’s where their attention should be.

Force turnovers: As we saw at the PIL jamboree, the Senators are very susceptible to turnovers. Gang tackling and making plays on balls in the air will be crucial to winning this week as much of the Madison offense is based on finding one-on-one matchups allowing their athletes to make plays in space. 

Play together: Things are going to enevitably get chippy as there’s a certain disdain between these two programs. Being able to play together will be important when tensions start to flare.

That’s all for tonight everyone. Be sure to be at Madison this week as it is shaping up to be possibly the game of the year in the PIL. We’ll be back tomorrow with more coverage leading up to Friday’s showdown.

Go Generals!