Summary: GAR and Wyoming Area marched up and down the field on Friday Night in the Warriors 35-34 heartbreaking defeat. It was not exactly what you expected from two teams averaging 15 points of offense per game.
After 47 minutes of football, it came down to a two-point conversion attempt. With the Warriors down, 35-34, Kyle Borton and the Warriors broke the huddle with-- the game—and in some ways, the season-- on the line. Everyone in the stadium, including the Grenadier defensive line, knew who was going to get the ball—Skursky was stacked up short of the goal line, giving GAR a one point victory.
GAR opened the scoring on their first possession. Rashaun Jackson scored on a 57 yard pass play from Rashaun Matthis only two minutes into the game. It was obvious from the get go that GAR had speed—lots of it. The Warriors answered by methodically marching down the field behind the running of Jeff Skursky. It was a movie that Warrior fans have seen before. Still in the first quarter, Rich Sickler, GAR’s leading rusher, broke up the middle for a 48 yard running touchdown giving the Grenadiers a 14-7 lead. Houston, we have a problem…
Just when you think the game might settle down, both teams scored 14 points in the second quarter. A big play was an interception by Ryan Murray--setting up one of the Warrior touchdowns. The Warriors actually took the lead 21-14, behind two 3 yard runs by Jeff Skursky. GAR stormed back on a 63 yard run by Mathis and a 37 yard TD pass to Kyle Merth from Mathis. The teams went into the locker room with GAR leading 28-21.
The Warriors opened the second half with a grind it out drive—powered by Skursky’s running. Unfortunately, they were stopped at the 2 yard line with no points to show. Warrior fans were getting a little uncomfortable after a scoreless third quarter. Farrad Condy gave the faithful something to cheer about with an electrifying 48 yard punt return, tying the game at 28 with 9:42 remaining. If ever a defensive stand was required—it was right now. But the Warriors could not stop the Grenadiers all night. A fourth down 8 yard TD pass from Mathis to Merth gave GAR a 35-28 lead with 3:04 remaining.
The Warriors took the ball, with Kyle Borton now at the helm. Skursky pounded the ball down the field—but one of the key plays for the Warriors was a 17 yard screen pass to Jeremy Seabridge. With 32 seconds remaining, Skursky scored from 7 yards out—making it a one point game.
Danielle Stillarty was 4 for 4 in extra points for the evening. But everyone knew that the Warriors would be going for the win. The Warriors lined up in a power “I” with Skursky at halfback. He took the handoff from Borton—ran straight up the middle, but was stopped cold. Game over.
It was a tough defeat for the Warriors who now fall to 3-5. When you score 34 points in a high school football game, you should win. The Warriors’ defense just wasn’t up to the task. They gave up 270 yards on the ground and 119 yards in the air. GAR’s speed had the Warrior defense on their heels for most of the night.
For the third straight game, Jeff Skursky topped the 200 yard mark with 202 yards rushing on 42 carries. Farrad Condry came through with a big punt return. He also had two receptions for 16 yards. Ryan Murray's interception and nifty return helped the Warriors take a lead in the first half. Danielle Stillarty continued her consistent performance with extra points.
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