Grapeland Rolls Over Milano, 44-9

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

MILANO – There were a lot of questions surrounding the Grapeland Sandies before their season-opener against the Milano Eagles on Friday, Aug. 30, but those questions were quickly answered as the Sandies blasted the Eagles on their home turf by a final score of 44-9.

Grapeland raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter highlighted by a 50-yard scamper from BJ Lamb at the 14:37 mark of the first quarter. After Milano was unable to go anywhere on their first possession, The Sandies scored again at the 8:42 mark of the first quarter.  

The Eagles tried to make a game of it in the initial 12 minutes of play, however, as Milano cut the lead to eight when Drew Demerritt hauled in a 26- yard TD throw from Noah Benavides.

That was as close as the Eagles would get as the Sandies rattled off 24-unanswered points to take a 38-6 lead in the third quarter. Cadarian Wiley bulled his way across the goal line for two touchdowns while he also hauled in a pass that wound up being a 71-yd TD.

Keizion Ashford hauled in Lamb’s second touchdown throw of the game as part of his four catch, 95-yard performance on the night. 

After Milano’s Marcos Ruelas added a 20-yard field goal, Lamb closed out the scoring with a 10-yard run at the 10:05 mark of the fourth quarter.

On the game, Lamb was 12of 15 for 289 yards and two TDs. He also ran the ball seven times for 89 yards and two TDs. He also returned a fumble 20 yards for a touchdown.

Deco Bryant had two receptions for 76 yards and Cooper Ward caught four for 47.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Sandies were led by Cooper Sheridan with 18 tackles while the defense recorded 20 tackles for a loss. Grapeland also recorded eight sacks led by Chanellor Francis with three and Justin Bobbitt with two.

The Grapeland D also forced four fumbles and picked off three passes for seven total turnovers on the night.

The Sandies stay on the road this week as they travel to Cayuga for a match-up against the Wildcats. Cayuga is also 1-0 on the season after they defeated the Frost Polar Bears 32-0.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].

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