The Granger Lions varsity football team defeated the Iola Bulldogs 39-19 on Friday, Oct. 11, earning their fourth straight win and remaining undefeated in district play.
Granger struck first with a touchdown in the opening quarter to take a 7-0 lead, but Iola quickly answered, cutting the deficit to 7-6 after a missed extra point. The teams continued to trade scores, with Granger holding a narrow 13-12 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Lions extended their lead to 19-12 on a 28-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Wyatt Rochner to junior wide receiver Ryder Bice. Iola responded with another touchdown to narrow the gap, but Granger reclaimed control with a scoring drive, pulling ahead 25-19 in the fourth quarter.
Rochner then connected with junior running back Caleb Hobratsch for a clutch 30-yard touchdown pass on fourth and 12, giving the Lions a twopossession lead, 32-19, late in the fourth quarter. Hobratsch sealed the win with a 25-yard touchdown run, capping off a standout performance of 202 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.
Other key contributors included Rochner, who threw for two touchdown passes, and sophomore defensive end Draydon Rea, who led the defense with 5.5 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
The Lions are building momentum as they continue district play, next traveling to face Somerville on Friday, Oct. 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Somerville High School.
