ANDREW SALMI andrew.salmi@granitemedia partners.com
GRANGER — One of the most anticipated small-school football games across Texas is set for Friday, Nov. 24 as Granger High School varsity football is set to take on Chilton High School in the 2A-2 Region 4 Semifinals held at neutral site Tiger Field in Belton.
This will be a huge rematch between the Lions and Pirates in which Granger (10-2 overall record) won a 17-14 thriller Oct. 20 at the Lions Den over Chilton, who was undefeated and ranked No. 4 in 2A-2 at the time. The Pirates are now 11-1 with their lone loss to Granger.
The Lions won a defensive slugfest in the first district matchup with the Pirates as Granger was able to win on a clutch field goal as time expired by junior Jose Valverde for the 17-14 triumph over Chilton.
Granger was led Oct. 20 against Chilton by senior quarterback Chase Edwards, who had a phenomenal game as quarterback with 188 yards passing and two touchdowns through the air as well as 204 yards rushing. Edwards had two clutch touchdown throws for the Lions against the Pirates to senior wide receivers Lucas Matta and Thomas Youngblood.
The Pirates are coming off of two straight blowout victories in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Chilton cruised to a 63-21 victory over Louise High School in the bi-district round and then thrashed Agua Dulce High School 68-6 last Friday in the area matchup.
In order for Granger to beat Chilton again in the rematch this Friday, the Lions’ defense is going to need to keep playing outstanding as a team. During the Lions’ five-game winning streak, Granger has allowed just 59 points and has not allowed an offensive touchdown in its two playoff games this season.
Lions Head Coach Stephen Brosch will have his players ready for this matchup against Chilton following last Thursday’s dominant 27-0 victory over Brackett High School which captured an area championship trophy for Granger.
