October is here and the sprint for the playoffs is on full tilt. This week is pivotal in the league title race with a log jam in the standings to settle. Last week, Madison returned to true form in being taken to the wood shed by Jefferson, leaving us again just short of a perfect record at 2-1. Along with the news of Wilson’s recent forfeit our record for the year stands at 13-7, meaning we don’t have much time to waste if we want a respectable record this year, so let’s take a look at this week’s games. As always, our predicted winners for this week are listed in bold.
Madison at Lincoln: Madison can’t compete with Lincoln. Outside of linebacker Daniel Green, the Senators don’t have a player that could crack the starting line up for the Cardinals and simply aren’t disciplined enough to win. Look for Lincoln’s offense to put up big numbers this week.
Jefferson at Cleveland: Coming off a big win over Madison, the Democrats will look to continue their drive towards a playoff spot in the competitive PIL. Jasiah Williams and company will roll again this week.
Wilson at Roosevelt: Wilson will be on a mission after having to forfeit their win over Cleveland due to a JV player playing a single play during the blowout. Roosevelt will be in for a long night against a focused Trojan team.
That’s all for tonight, tune in tomorrow for coverage of the game against Franklin and as always: Go Generals!
Game day is here and the Generals are charged and ready for their homecoming game Cleveland. The importance of this game is magnified with Grant needing league wins if they hope to make the playoffs, especially considering the fact that they play one less league game than everyone else in the PIL. Last week we were 2-1 in our predictions, bringing our overall record for the season to 12-5. Let’s take a look at this week’s match ups, as always our predicted winners will be listed in bold.
Wilson at Franklin:
The Trojans are simply to experienced and talented for Franklin to seriously threaten. While the Quakers appear to be in the hunt for a playoff spot, their run won’t be aided this week.
Jefferson at Madison:
Madison is running off of the unexpected moral lift after last week’s upset of the Generals, and with lowly Jefferson scheduled to visit 82nd Avenue, the Senators will look to get off to a 2-0 start in league.
Lincoln at Roosevelt:
Early on it looks like Lincoln and Wilson are the favorites for the league title, with everyone else fighting for playoff seeding. Nolan Osmo and company will roll over Roosevelt this week.
That’s all for today, tune in at 4:00 for coverage of the Generals game against Cleveland.
Homecoming week 2015 is here. After last year’s homecoming game being spoiled by a missed field goal in the final 30 seconds, the Generals are not only on a mission for their first win of the season, but also to avenge last year’s disappointing finish. This year the opponent is different as the Cleveland Warriors visit the Grant Bowl for what is Grant’s first true home game of the year.
The Generals came out strong last week, but seemed to let up late as Madison crept back into the game and tallied the upset. Cleveland comes in also looking for their first win of the season after being dismantled 42-8 at the hands of Wilson last week.
Last year at Cleveland was Luke Davis’ coming out party as a quarterback, finishing 14-16 for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns. This year will be w different set of circumstances with a new offense and completely new players at every skill position, but the expectations remain the same for this young squad.
Even at 0-3, this team still has all the tools to make a run at a PIL championship. Step one of that process is taking care of business against a team they are expected to beat. We’ve got plenty of coverage to come today, but for now let’s focus on the keys to Friday’s game.
Limit turnovers: Against Madison the Generals had three second-half turnovers, all at key times during the game. Simply getting out of their own way will be important to Grant being able to perform at a high level when Friday rolls around.
Capitalize in the redzone: Getting into the redzone hasn’t been a problem for the Generals, converting those trips into points however has been a different story. This Friday will be a great opportunity to put up points and Grant needs to take advantage if they want to continue pursuing a league title.
Play for each other: We’ve seen glimpses of how talented this team can be, but have yet to see them put it together for an entire game. If they want to be successful they need to play fast and focused, and most importantly for each other.
That’s all for now everyone, remember to stay tuned to our Twitter page for continue coverage of the team and as always: Go Generals!
After two weeks of the 2015 season there’s a clear distinction between the haves and have nots among the PIL. The collective record of the league was 3-13, and with only one non-league contest remaining when Grant travels to Sprague in week 7, the best the league can hope for is 4 wins for the PIL in non-league competition. An improvement over last year’s record of 1-22 no doubt, but if we’re honest, the PIL still has mountains of work to do if they want to be on par with leagues like the Metro or Three Rivers. Let’s take a look at where each team ranks within the PIL after last week’s games.
1. Lincoln Cardinals (2-0)
I had my doubts with Lincoln losing premier man John Duffy from their backfield, but the Cardinals look like the team to beat in the early part of the season. After this week’s impressive 19-0 victory over Metro League power Southridge, Lincoln has a serious chance to run the table through league play.
2. Wilson Trojans (1-1)
Some will say that this team hasn’t had real competition after playing two 5A schools at home to open the year, but Silverton is legit on any level and Wilson looks primed for a great run with 22 seniors on their roster. Look for the Trojans to be 3-0 In league heading into an October 16th showdown with Grant.
3. Madison Senators (0-2)
Madison has been gearing up for their shot at Grant all summer and their play through thus far indicates as much. Look for Coach Don Johnson and company to break out all the stops against the Generals this week. We’ll breakdown this match-up in more depth tomorrow.
4. Roosevelt Roughriders (0-2)
It was pretty evident that the Roughriders would be in a rebuilding mode after losing do-everything quarterback Kimane Domena, but don’t sleep on Roosevelt heading into league play. A tough three game stretch taking on Lincoln, Wilson, and Madison will be the pivital point in this team’s season.
5. Jefferson Democrats (0-2)
Jefferson will face challenges of attrition throughout this season as their numbers are low this year. Yet if they can take care of the teams they’re expected to beat towards the end of the regular season, the Demos could be in contention for a playoff spot.
6. Grant Generals (0-2)
After last week’s embarrassing loss at the hands of Sherwood, Grant is facing a crossroads of their season. Last year’s team faced a similar set of circumstances heading in PIL competition and responded with a resounding victory over Benson. We will find out just how tough this team really is when they take on an emerging league rival in Madison this week.
7. Cleveland Warriors (0-2)
Cleveland is definitely in rebuilding mode and might be for the next couple of years. After being shut out by Aloha in week one, Cleveland was dominated by Century in their home opener last week.
8. Franklin Quakers (0-2)
Quarterback Max Hawkins will be the lone bright spot for the Quakers this season. Franklin will have to increase their roster numbers if they hope to compete even in the future of the PIL.
That’s all for now everyone. Tune in tonight for our game recap from the Generals trip to Sherwood last week.
Last week the PIL showed its ahead of last year’s pace by winning two non-league games and being extremely competitive in a third. Last week was a decent one as I went 5-2 in my predictions. This week will prove to be even tougher as Lincoln and Roosevelt go on the road against top-tier opponents and other PIL teams face their own formidable foes.
As we previewed earlier this week, the most intriguing game in the league will be when Grant takes on Sherwood. If the Generals can step up to the challenge that this type of top-notch program provides. With that being said, let’s take a look at the picks for this week. Our picks to win each game is the team listed in bold.
Lincoln at Southridge
Wilson vs Cresent Valley
Roosevelt at Clackamas
Cleveland vs Century
Franklin at Summit
Jefferson at Barlow
Madison vs Hood River Valley
That’s all for tonight everyone. Tune in tomorrow as we’ll bring you coverage of the game. To see live coverage starting with pregame warm ups, download the application “Periscope” and follow @grant_fb. As always: Go Generals!
Week one was superb across the state with several exciting games to begin the 2015 season. Central Catholic lost its first in-state contest since the 2012 quarterfinals at the hands on an impressive looking Jesuit team, and Wilson hung on to beat 5A power Silverton. Week 2 will bring us more great games across the PIL, with Lincoln hosting Southridge and your Grant Generals traveling to Sherwood. Before diving into this week, we’ll update out power rankings from last week’s PIL results.
1. Wilson Trojans (1-0)
Hanging on to beat Silverton was great for improving this season’s PIL résumé, and with another 5A school on the slate this week it looks like Wilson will have a stranglehold on the top spot for the near future.
2. Lincoln Cardinals(1-0)
Going on the road for a win in week 1 is always great for a team’s moral, but this week will prove to be a different leve of competition with Metro league power Southridge coming to Lincoln.
3. Grant Generals (0-1)
Having the chance to put Lakeridge away in the final moments of the game, the young Generals let the game slip through their fingers. What awaits Grant after a heartbreaking loss? A top five team in Sherwood looking to impress in their home opener, this will undoubtedly be the stiffest competition the Generals face during the regular season.
4. Madison Senators (0-1)
Stopping off at Autzen Stadium didn’t have the rub off coach Don Johnson was looking for as the Senators put up only 14 points against the lowest ranked 6A team from last season in South Eugene. Madison will have the chance to prove they aren’t all hype when Hood River Valley comes to Portland this Friday.
5. Franklin Quakers (0-1)
Being embarrassed by Redmond wasn’t the start to the season the Quakers envisioned, and it won’t get any easier as they travel to Summit this week. Look for Franklin to be ready to roll once league play starts next week.
6. Roosevelt Roughriders (0-1)
Losing their opening game puts Roosevelt behind the eight ball when they take on Clackamas. The Cavaliers talent will likely have the Roughriders headed into league play with an 0-2 record and little time to relax with a front loaded schedule in the PIL.
7. Jefferson Democrats (0-1)
Jefferson faces the same problems as Roosevelt with a trip to Barlow scheduled this week.
8. Cleveland Warriors (0-1)
Not only was the Varsity shutout last week at Aloha, but the entire Cleveland program failed to score a single point. Another game against a tough Metro league opponent in Century will provide a tough start to the season.
Check back in each day for coverage of the team leading up to this week’s game at Sherwood. Go Generals!
With last night’s jamboree marking the opening of the 2015 season, there’s a number of questions waiting to be answered. Will Madison be the real deal and compete under Don Johnson or will it amount to nothing more than a transfer factory on 82nd? Does Grant have enough talent and discipline to defend their PIL title with Randy Heath taking over as head coach? Can Lincoln remain competitive without the core of their skill positions from last year’s team? Finally, will the PIL compete in out of conference games after a lone victory in 2014?
All of these questions will begin to be answered once non-league games begin next week. This season there are several games to keep an eye on if you want to measure the PIL agaisnt the rest of the state. We’ve pinned our 5 most intriguing non league match-ups featuring the PIL. The rankings are from 1-5 in order of what we think will be the most interesting.
1. Grant at Sherwood
Grant hopes to put the PIL back on the map in 2015. When: Friday, September 11th 7:00 P.M.
Where: Sherwood High School
After performing at an impressive level in last year’s jamboree against lower-tier opponents Jefferson and Franklin the Generals proceeded to give up 110 points over the first two weeks of the season, with 61 coming curtesy of the Bowman. This season’s test won’t be any easier as the young defense will have to be incredibly disciplined to compete against the well-oiled offense of head coach Greg Lawrence. After advancing to the quarterfinals last year, Sherwood is easily the toughest non-league opponent of any PIL team this season.
2. Lincoln vs. SouthridgeCoach Wes Warren will keep the Cardinals competitive.
When: Friday, September 11th 7:30 P.M.
Where: Lincoln High School
There might not be a better measuring stick in the state than playing against a metro league team. Over the past 15 years this league has dominated most sports, football in particular. When Southridge visits Lincoln in week 2 of the season we will get to see exactly how well the PIL stacks up against the state’s best. Look for a competitive game between these two programs as Lincoln reloads after graduating a key group of Seniors on offense.
3. Madison at South EugeneGrant transfer Daniel Green is Madison’s unquestioned leader.
When: Friday, September 4th 7:00 P.M.
Where: South Eugen High School
Don Johnson has a lot to prove stepping into the highest division of football in Oregon. While he is aided by several talented transfers new to Madison this year it’s hard to ignore his lack of on field success. His ability to get already college-ready players noticed through social media is noted, but a 13-15 overall record and only 2 league victories while at Evergreen doesn’t provide much hope for this Madison team. After last night’s showing at the jamboree it’s pretty easy to see the Senators picked up the best hype man since Don King this offseason, but they’re still missing a true head coach. However, if they can pick up an early season win in Eugene this year’s team could get on a role and compete for a playoff spot come season’s end.
4. Wilson vs. Silverton
Ken Duilio looks for his first PIL crown in 2015.
When: Friday, September 4th 7:30 P.M.
Where: Wilson High School
Wilson holds a distinct advantage over the rest of the PIL returning the majority of their offensive starters. After making the playoffs with a second place finish in league, the Trojans lost to North Medford in the first round of the OSAA playoffs. Look for a highly entertaining game when the high-powered Silverton comes to Portland next Friday.
5. Roosevelt vs. Clackamas
Graduating a large senior class will test Roosevelt this season.
When: Friday, September 11th 7:30 P.M. Where: Jefferson High School
Graduating a number of seniors from last year’s team leaves Roosevelt fighting an uphill battle. We will get to see how well the Roughriders have reloaded when they take on Clackamas in week 2. Facing a talented opponent, Roosevelt needs to win this game if the PIL wants to be viewed around the state with some respect.
That’s all for today. Remember to follow us on Twitter (@grant_fb) to stay up to date on all of the latest news on the team. As always: go Generals!
It didn’t take long for Grant to put the rest of the PIL on high alert Friday night, as they dominated all three phases of the game en route to a convincing 59-19 victory over Benson.
The Generals got another stellar performance from senior running back Michael Waters (three rushing touchdowns, two more on defense), a suffocating defensive performance, and used both to race out to a 52-0 halftime lead which proved insurmountable for the Techmen.
After getting a quick three-and-out to start the game, Waters put the Generals on the scoreboard by taking a toss play around the left end for a seven yard touchdown, the first of a flurry of big plays for the boys from Grant Park.
Four plays later, Waters found the end zone again as he scooped up a Benson fumble and returned it 21 yards to make the score 14-0 Grant before anyone had even blinked. From there, the Generals never looked back and it got ugly quick.
After the first of two interceptions thrown by Benson quarterback Robert Coleman, Davis hit senior receiver Chris Lewis for a 40 yard touchdown to make it 21-0.
Another quick turnover gave Grant the ball inside Techmen territory and Waters capitalized by scoring from ten yards out to make 28-0.
After two more scoring drives, Waters finished off his night with a 77 yard pick-six to put any hope Benson had of making the contest competitive to rest.
“We were extremely focused coming into this game after what had happened the last two weeks, we really wanted to start off league the right way,” said senior quarterback Sam Davis, who went 5 of 11 for 114 yards with two touchdowns before being pulled at halftime with the game already wrapped up. Davis, who said the Generals “let the rest of the league know that we’re going to be a tough match-up all year,” was poised and in control all night. Had it not been for a couple untimely dropped passes, the General’s signal caller could very well have helped Grant make the score even more lop-sided.
The Grant defense also flexed its collective muscles at times on Friday night, harassing Benson’s offense throughout the game forcing six turnovers and scoring two defensive touchdowns.
Sophomore linebacker Daniel Green led the way with eight tackles, while also intercepting quarterback Robert Coleman twice.
“It’s nice to be on the other side of one of these games,” said Green, who looked like a man possessed at times, showing why many think of him as a possible D1 talent already.
After halftime, both teams were content to run the ball and milk the clock with the outcome already decided. A meaningless touchdown run by Coleman cut Grant’s lead to 59-19 as time expired.
Next up for the Generals is a tough road match-up with Wilson, who dismantled Franklin last week and is looking to make a name for themselves among the PIL elite.
We will be there to cover the game and bring you an in-depth look at what could be the Game of the Week.
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