Our GHS Homecoming hopes were dashed facing Hanson on Sept. 30th as the Blue Dragons were unable to score, the game ending in the third quarter 0-51.
The first quarter gave fans some hope, with some good plays.
Hanson recovered a GHS fumble and scored their first touchdown with 7 minutes on the clock.
After Hanson’s first touchdown, and initially losing control of the ball again, Garretson had a great interception and moved up the field significantly.
“The team played well in the first quarter against a team that is highly ranked as one of the best in the division!” said Head Coach Jerry Weiland.
The Dragons did play some great defense in that first quarter, stopping Hanson’s advance until just 2:36 was left on the clock. Meanwhile, some good turnovers and advances on the Blue Dragon’s side gave fans something to cheer about. However, the Dragons just couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities that came their way and Hanson scored their second touchdown with an extra point, making it 0-16 for the Dragons at the end of the first quarter.
Hanson played hard and continued to grind down the Blue Dragon defense by attrition. It was very much a rushing game, a game that Hanson continued to outperform. Hanson made 20 rushing attempts for a gain of 327 yards, at 16.4 yards per rush, whereas GHS only gained 46 yards rushing with 31 attempts, gaining only 1.5 yards per rush. GHS actually had a better passing game, two successful passes gaining 6.5 yards per pass, whereas Hanson only gained 6 yards with the same amount thrown.
Hanson’s relentless assault scored them 29 more points and the Blue Dragons had no lights on the scoreboard to close the half at 0-45.
After the halftime show, GHS dueled with Hanson again, doing their very best to slow and stymie the assault. They were pretty successful in that, and kept Hanson from scoring until only 1:39 was left on the clock. This brought the score to 0-51 for the Dragons, and the officials called the game at the end of the third quarter.
“We have to stay with the fundamentals of football for the sake of the season and seasons to come,” said Coach Weiland.
Next game for GHS Football is this Friday, Oct. 7 at Irene/Wakonda.
The last home game is Oct. 14 against Centerville.
