High School football teams take the field
The Granger Lions varsity football team defeated the Iola Bulldogs, 56-14, during its homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 17. Senior running back Caleb Hobratsch led the way with more than 200 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Granger continued its dominant district run in its first game at its brandnew stadium, which was completed before the season but had been unplayable due to water line issues that forced the Lions to use their old field.
Despite the excitement of the homecoming crowd and new surroundings, Iola nearly played spoiler early. The Bulldogs leaned on their run game and a few timely big plays through the air to grab a 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Granger struck first with an early touchdown before Iola answered to tie the game. The Lions regained the lead when senior quarterback Wyatt Rochner capped the drive with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, set up by a 50-yard kick return that placed the ball at the Bulldogs’ 25-yard line. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 13-7.
Iola responded with a 2-yard rushing touchdown after a long pass play set up the shortyardage score, giving the Bulldogs their only lead of the night at 14-13. But the advantage didn’t last long, as Hobratsch broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter.
Granger added a successful two-point conversion to make it 21-14.
From there, the Lions’ defense took control. A fourth-down stop gave Granger prime field position at the Iola 38-yard line, and Rochner connected with multiple receivers on the ensuing drive to set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Hobratsch—his second of the night—extending the lead to 28-14. Granger’s defense forced another turnover on downs, and Hobratsch delivered the highlight of the game, hurdling a defender on his way to a 43-yard touchdown run that made it 35-14.
He added another score before halftime, sending the Lions into the break with a 42-14 advantage.
Hobratsch stayed hot in the second half, breaking loose for his fifth touchdown of the night late in the third quarter to push the lead to 49-14.
Rochner capped the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 70-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Caleb Tucker.
Rochner finished with three total touchdowns, making an impact both through the air and on the ground in another efficient performance.
The Lions (7-0, 4-0 in district) will remain at home next week to take on Somerville on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m.
Ariana Herrera (left) and Evan Youngblood (right) were crowned queen and king during the Granger High School homecoming ceremonies at halftime.
