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Steers sit in driver's seat in district play with win Friday

Sat, 10/20/2018 - 2:41 am
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    The Graham Steers enter the field for the second half Friday at Bridgeport. Pictured are Garrison Stovall (72), Garrett Dickey (34), Tristin Cromer (21), Nolan Carroll (3), Chase Gilmore (2), Bryce Hernandez (75), Grady McBride (50) and Ri'en Perez (5). Leader photo by Travis Martinez
sports@grahamleader.com

BRIDGEPORT-The Graham Steers moved to 2-0 in District 3-4A Division II play after an impressive 35-17 win over Bridgeport Friday night at Bull Memorial Stadium, The Steers earned their fourth straight victory after a slugglish 0-3 start to the season. It marked the first time this year in which the team saw its record over .500.

With Iowa Park's win over Vernon, the Steers sit alone in first-place in the district, being the only undefeated team with an unblemished record in league play just two weeks in.

The Bulls scored the first points of the game on their first posession of the game. Quarterback Jadon Maddox heaved a 14-yard completion to Braden Jackson but the Steers answered on their second series late in the second quarter. Chase Gilmore, who single handily ended the night with more rushing yards than the entire Bridgeport team, dove into the end zone from three yards out. The big play on the drive came when quarterback Hunter Lanham fired a 32-yard strike to fellow sophomore Daniel Gilbertson on a 4th-&-14 from the Bull 37-yard line. 

Jason Faulkenberry's 31-yard field goal gave the Bulls a short 10-7 lead with 7:57 left before halftime, but the Steers struck again on their next series. Graham picked up three first-downs on its next posession which culminated in Gilmore's second score of the night, a 42-yard scamper. Lanham connected with Caleb Guinn for a nine-yard gain for a first down which led to Gilmore's score giving the Steers a 14-10 lead into the locker room.

Bridgeport's 5-foot-8 receiver Nolan Hernandez opened the second-half scoring with a 8-yard catch from Maddox. The 17-14 deficit faced by the Steers would be the last time Graham trailed in the game. It was all Gilmore after the Hernandez touchdown.

Gilmore scored the next two Graham touchdowns on back-to-back posessions in the third quarter. The most impressive series came in his last score of the night when Lanham helped lead the offense 97 yards in a crisp 13-play drive. 

With the Steers ahead 28-17, Guinn put the final cherry on top with a 49-yard score from Lanham with 2:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

The Graham (4-3, 2-0) defense delivered another clutch performance in the second-half. Trey Overcash intercepted Maddox late in the fourth and allowed the Steers to run out the remaning 1:45 left to play.

The Krum Bobcats head to Newton Field next Friday for the Graham Homecoming game.

For more on tonight's win please see the midweek edition of The Graham Leader.