BOBCATS POST WIN IN HOME OPENER
  
The Varsity 'Cats (1-1) opened their home season Saturday at Anderson Field with a 34-14 win over the East Knox Bulldogs (0-2). The Bobcats' offensive line shone bright, helping junior Michael Crawford run for 133 yards on 34 carries, the second running back to go over a 100 yards in as many weeks for Grandview.

The game began Friday night as scheduled, but a lightning delay with 58.9 seconds remaining in the first quarter eventually became a postponement of the action with no score in the contest. When play began Saturday afternoon, under bright blue skies, the Bobcats had the ball 2nd down and 17 yards to go at their 44-yard line.

Saturday's initial play was a screen pass from senior quarterback Jeff Shively to senior tight end Casey Rouch that resulted in a 37-yard completion and a big first down. From there, the Bobcats turned to their effective running game and drove the ball the rest of the way, with Michael Crawford taking it the final 1 yard for the touchdown. Sam Stull's kick was good and the score was 7-0 with 10:47 remaining in the second quarter.

East Knox would respond quickly. On their next offensive play, running back Nick Kidd bounced outside and took it down the left sideline for a 61-yard score. With Steven Lilly's extra point, the score was tied at 7. Grandview then ground out another long, time-consuming drive and with 1:15 left in the quarter, Crawford scored again, this time from 2 yards out. Again, Stull's kick was true and the 'Cats led 14-7.

But once again, the Bulldogs would respond on their next offensive snap. Quarterback Tyler Clement, on a play action pass, threw to wideout Zech Shafer, who got behind the defense, and Shafer raced 56 yards for the touchdown. Lilley then tied the game 14-14 and teams went to their lockerrooms at the half.

The third quarter would be all Grandview. Twice, Shively connected with Casey Rouch for scores. The first came with 8:36 remaining in the period from the 27-yard line. The second was a 25-yard play, at the 3:13 mark, with Rouch using his downfield blocking to elude three defenders on his way to the endzone. Sam Stull converted after both plays to make the score 28-14 after three quarters.

The Bobcats would round out the scoring with another Michael Crawford touchdown run. With 3:02 remaining in the game, Crawford ran untouched into the endzone from 5 yards out. The extra-point try was no good and the final score was 34-14.

On the defensive side, junior middle linebacker Clay Teach had an outstanding game for the Bobcats. Casey Rouch knocked down two Bulldog pass attempts, but the hero on that side of the ball was junior cornerback Nate Blackwell who intercepted three Clement passes, returning two of them deep into Bulldog territory.

For the offense, Crawford ran for 133 yards on 34 attempts, while senior running back Dylan Evans added 19 yards on 5 carries. Shively finished the day 10-for-19 for 185 yards passing and two touchdowns. Casey Rouch caught five passes for 126 yards and two scores. Senior wideout Philip Elking, Blackwell, and Evans also had receptions.

The offensive line of seniors Brendon Ballard and Shawn Rine, juniors Clay Teach and Eric Bretz, and sophomore Dan Satterthwaite had an outstanding day, not only opening huge holes for the Bobcat running backs, but also getting downfield to block on several passes that resulted in large gains.

The Bobcats are on the road this week, traveling to Granville to take on the Blue Aces (2-0). If you can't make it to the game today, ghfootball.com will have all the action live on our webcast. Kevin Rouch, Grant Douglass, and Mitch Levitt will once again provide the play-by-play for all of the Varsity's games this season.