Lovelady Lions Cruise Past Grapeland Sandies, 34-6

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY — Even in a rivalry as sharp and as beloved as the Houston County Showdown, in the end, one team must win and the other lose. In spite of tough playing by Grapeland, the Lovelady Lions took control early and rolled past the Sandies, 34-6, Saturday, Sept. 5.

Lovelady’s offense produced big plays on the ground and through the air. The Lions broke loose for a 56-yard rushing touchdown and added a 10-yard quarterback run. Isaiah Chaisson hauled in a 27-yard red-zone touchdown pass, while Ryder Lovell figured in a 54-yard passing touchdown.

Running back Ryen Barnes added a 25-yard explosive rush in the fourth quarter as the Lions continued to control the game.

Grapeland’s lone touchdown came on a 22-yard pass from quarterback Eli Deleon to wide receiver Aiden Owens. The Sandies also produced a red-zone stop that resulted in a nine-yard loss, with Morris Vallejo associated with the play.

The loss dropped Grapeland to 0-2 and extended the Sandies’ losing streak to three games dating back to last season. Lovelady, meanwhile, sits at 2-0, and has allowed only 20 points through its first two games.

The Lions will take their undefeated record on the road Friday, Sept. 11, against the Timpson Bears. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]