Spring Grove Takes Down Grand Meadow

Spring Grove and Grand Meadow both had this game circled on their schedule right when it came out, there is no doubt about that. It was going to be a match up of two of the top teams in the state.

These two teams have met in the Section 1 9-man final the past six seasons, with Spring Grove winning the first match up, and Grand Meadow locking up the last five. The Superlarks have won the last four state championships, and have been in the state title game five straight seasons.

The Lions, who are ranked 1st in the state in 9-man football, knew this year was another chance to get back in the win column against a very good Grand Meadow team who is ranked 5th in the state in 9-man football. They did just that getting the win 33-20. Spring Grove scored three touchdowns in the 2nd quarter to take a three score lead, and put all the pressure on the Superlarks.

Leading 25-7 with just 19 seconds left in the first half, Josh Graves returned the Spring Grove kickoff all the way to the Lions 28, and then threw a touchdown pass to Justin Kassel to make it a two score game at 25-14 at the half.

The game was played on October the 13th, so you knew that some weird stuff was going to happen. During halftime, the fog rolled in thick, making it almost impossible to see across to the other side of the field.

Grand Meadow did not let it bother them, as they scored on their first possession of the second half on a touchdown run by Graves, and the next thing you knew the Superlarks trailed just 25-20.

The Lions would not be outdone. In the second half, Alex Folz hit Noah Elton for a 53-yard touchdown to extend the lead back up to two scores, and the Lions hit the two-point conversion to make it 33-20.

Spring Grove was led on the ground by Cullen Patterson, and he opened up the scoring in the first quarter with a 42-yard touchdown run, he scored another touchdown int he second quarter and helped the Lions control the clock.

Grand Meadow had their chances. They forced three Lions turnovers in the first quarter, but did not come away with any points off the turnovers. They ended up turning the ball over four times themselves, but two of those were desperation passes that ended up as interceptions.

The Superlarks played well, but the Lions were able to connect on a couple of big plays, and turn Grand Meadow over on downs three straight possessions in the third quarter that locked up the victory for Spring Grove.

A tremendous game indeed. A great atmosphere with two great teams playing great football, a true treat to watch.

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Grand Meadow) - Josh Graves

KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Spring Grove) - Noah Elton

Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Spring Grove) - Cullen Patterson