SouthernCaliforniaPreps - Grizzlies win a thriller

October 13, 2012

In typical Sierra Foothill League fashion, Rocklin and Granite Bay needed two overtimes to settle their game with the Grizzlies winning 41-34. The Thunder suffered their first league loss despite four touchdown passes from junior Logan Webb.

In a back and forth contest that featured two interceptions returned for touchdowns (both by Granite Bay) and a slew up big defensive stops, the Grizzlies prevailed in double overtime after holding a 27-14 second half lead. Logan Webb, the junior quarterback for Rocklin, kept his team in it with 296 yards and four touchdown passes. The junior, who splits time with senior Daniel Kniffin, showed great touch on some throws and poise as he led his team down at the end of the half as well as at the end of the game. Webb is also the punter and twice pinned Granite Bay down inside the five yard line.

On Friday, Rocklin was very much dependent on the pass as they had only nine yards rushing from their running backs. Some of this had to do with the quality of defense they were going against. The ratio of 48 pass plays to 12 running plays in a tight game allowed Granite Bay to pressure the quarterbacks and force turnovers. The Grizzlies were more balanced but as stated by head coach Ernie Cooper after the game "you should never lose a ballgame when you have two defensive touchdowns, but we got a little conservative in our play calling."

John Cooley helped control tempo for the Grizzlies as he exhibited the ability to run between the tackles as well as get outside for some nice gains. Cooley finished with 114 yards and a touchdown.

Even though there was 75 total points scored, this was a game controlled by the two defenses. Granite Bay relies on its front seven with their linebackers, Beau Hershberger and Cameron Smith, making a lot of plays.

Rocklin on the other hand has an outstanding group up front, led by Sam Woods at defensive tackle, which controlled the middle and allowed the linebackers to defend the patented "fly" offense of Granite Bay. Woods was a force on both lines of scrimmage. He has the strength to collapse the pocket while still being able to pursue the quarterback.

A very strange call at the end of regulation happened when Rocklin lined up for the winning field goal and at the snap, the referee threw a flag for too many men on the field. After the kick went through the uprights and a count of the players, it was ruled that there were only 11 players on the field and thus the flag was picked up and down had to be replayed. The subsequent kick was missed wide right.

Next up for Rocklin will be a trip to Woodcreek and Granite Bay host Del Oro.

JV game ended in a tie 7-7

Scoring Summary:

Rocklin- Logan Webb to Spencer Gregg for 29 touchdown pass with 1:37 left in the first (7-0)

Granite Bay-Grant Caraway to Tony Ellison for 15 yard touchdown pass with 8:12 left in the second (7-7)

Granite Bay- Luke Bussey 42 yard interception return with 4:40 left in the second (14-7)

Rocklin-Webb to Gregg for 20 yard touchdown pass just before halftime (14-14)

Granite Bay-Aaron Knapp 58 yard interception return with 8:05 left in the third (21-14)

Granite Bay-John Cooley 2 yard touchdown run with 10:44 left in the fourth. Extra point blocked (27-14)

Rocklin- Webb to Dominic Giampaoli for 27 yard touchdown pass with 9:14 left in the fourth (27-21)

Rocklin-Webb to Giampaoli for 11 yard touchdown pass with 1:53 left in the fourth. Extra point missed (27-27)

Rocklin-Raymon Kendall 1 yard touchdown run first possession of overtime (34-27)

Granite Bay-Caraway to Cooley for 9 yard touchdown pass on first possession in overtime (34-34)

Granite Bay-Caraway 5 yard TD run. (41-34) Final.

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