Last season’s edition of the GRC-Montgomery County rivalry game ended in a 51-21 loss for GRC. This year, the Cardinals looked for revenge, playing on their home field.

The Cardinal offense got things rolling early and often. Their first play from scrimmage resulted in a 58 yard pass from Will Henry. One play later, Nitavius Thomas punched it in to put the Cardinals up a touchdown in under a minute.

Montgomery County would equalize on their next drive after turning a fake punt into a touchdown.

The Indians would later take their first lead of the game on a long drive resulting in a 14-7 tally against the Cardinals.

However, just a few minutes later, a 28 yard rush by Nitavius Thomas, who made multiple Indian defenders miss on his way, evened the score back up at 14.

The second quarter saw much more defense, with the first score coming with under three and a half minutes to play. A bad snap by GRC gave Montgomery County the ball inside the 10, allowing an easy touchdown.

The ensuing drive by the Cardinals was a great one. Two completed passes by Will Henry, to Marcus Wesolowski and Farris Shakadih, put GRC in perfect position to score. Nitavius Thomas would later punch it in, setting the score even at 21 going into the half.

The second half was just as back-and-forth as the first.

An early touchdown run by the Indians was matched quickly by a 61 yard carry by Thomas.

From there, the defenses took over.

After a long drive in the heart of the fourth quarter, Montgomery County reclaimed their lead through a field goal, holding a 31-28 lead with 7:40 remaining.

The following Cardinal drive resulted in a punt, giving the Indians the ball and control of the clock.

GRC’s defense was unable to make a clutch stop, and Montgomery County ran the clock out in another great chapter in the rivalry.

The Cardinals had numerous bright spots tonight, despite the tough loss. Four rushing touchdown by Nitavius Thomas proved to be crucial down the stretch. Quarterback play was much improved, as well as ball security.

GRC will now travel to Grant County next week, looking for a duplicate of last year’s 47-14 thrashing.