Cardinals bounce back in Harrison County
QB Will Henry extends the play, picking up yards on the ground.
Following a 41-0 defeat to the hands of Anderson County, the Cardinals went into Harrison County looking for a bounce back win to get to 1-1.
GRC wasted no time getting on the board for the first time of the season.
A 41 yard carry by Nitavius Thomas gave the Cardinals an early lead after their first possession. Tye Boyken’s extra point put GRC up 7-0.
After a long passing touchdown by Harrison County, the two teams went into the second quarter even at 7.
In the second quarter, the Cardinals came alive.
GRC pushed another score across early, while the defense held strong throughout the quarter. Later, Sophomore QB Jordan Manley fired for his first touchdown pass of the year, putting the Cards up 21-7.
After a forced fumble by the Harrison County defense, it appeared as if the Thorobreds were picking up momentum. Knocking on the door of another score, the Harrison County QB dropped back to pass, only to find the hands of Senior LB Keaton Aldridge.
The Cardinals carried the 14 point lead into the half.
Harrison County struck first in the second half. However, the Cardinals’ special teams unit came up big by blocking the extra-point attempt.
The GRC defense held strong throughout the remainder of the quarter, holding the Thorobred offense scoreless.
A touchdown pass by Senior QB Will Henry early in the fourth put the Cardinals up 27-13, after a failed 2-point conversion.
A late touchdown by Harrison County cut the deficit to 8.
GRC would go on to win 27-19.
Showing signs of improvement, the offense came up with multiple big plays. However, turnovers proved to be a downfall of the squad, keeping the score close.
On the other side of the ball, the GRC defense did well in ensuring that Harrison County could not climb back into the game.
Next week the Cardinals will face Dunbar in the home opener. GRC beat the Bulldogs last year, 17-0.
The game should prove to be a good one, with some exciting things to keep an eye out for. If the Cardinals can do a better job of protecting the ball, look for another GRC victory.
Nick Hounshell is a Senior and second-year Smoke Signals member. His favorite animal is a lemur, his favorite movie is Arrival, and he is on the golf team at GRC.
