Grant jolts Johnsburg

New season, same running offense, as host Grant walloped Johnsburg 42-0 in a nonconference football game on Friday.

“We came out and did what we wanted to do,” said Bulldogs coach Kurt Rous, who led his team to their first opening game victory since 2008. “We’re a running team and I felt we ran the ball pretty effectively. (Johnsburg) had no answer to our option, and it’s not a big surprise what we were going to do. We run the ball, we dive, we keep, we pitch, and nothing spectacular. We are not a flashy offense. We do a few things and we do the best that we can.”

Grant rushed for 412 yards. Quarterback Alex Villa led the offense as he scored 3 touchdowns and rushed for 178 yards on 9 carries, while running back Kyle Whitman rushed for 129 yards on 9 carries and also scored 3 TDs.

“I think I have more confidence in myself this season,”said Villa, who played four games last season. “Our line has a lot of experience and that also helps.”

“The line played real good, our quarterback looked good and we just had a good game,” Whitman said. “Our intensity was running high tonight.”

Sophmore Jonathon Wells rushed for 110 yards on 6 carries. He also scored on a conversion.

“I have to give credit to our line,” Wells said. “It was tough. (Johnsburg) is a good team. They showed heart and kept on coming at us the whole game.”

One reason the team to dominate was the return of four of its five linemen — Jake Mroz, Luis Echeverria, Jarrod Lalanda and Dan Haeffele.

Grant also dominated on defense, holding Johnsburg to only 86 rushing yards. The Bulldogs caused two fumbles and two interceptions.

Skyhawks quarterback Jon Torgerson completed 13 of 25 passes for 102 yards. Will Rudzena rushed for 79 yards on 11 carries.

Matt Conn intercepted a pass in the middle of the first quarter and Jonathon Tosti intercepted a pass and returned it for 32 yards late in the third quarter.