Groton Area put an end to its five-game losing streak with a resounding victory over rival Aberdeen Roncalli 55-6 on Friday.
The Tigers, now 2-5, have a bye this week and finish their regular schedule at Baltic, now 0-6, on Oct. 17.
“Our kids set the tone early with a punt return from Ryder Johnson, and two punt returns from Keegen Tracy,” said GA boss Shaun Wanner. “Our special teams played very well. We ran the ball well, our offensive line played very well, and defensively we played very well.
“We continue to get better on both sides of the ball. If the cards fall just right the next couple weeks a win over Baltic could get us into the playoffs. Baltic plays a very tough schedule and has some good skilled kids that are quick and athletic, but we have two weeks to prepare for them.”
Johnson’s return was from 40 yards out and gave the Tigers a 7-0 lead with just 1:47 gone in the contest. Asher Johnson added a five-yard run just over three minutes later and after a Roncalli three-and-out Tracy returned a punt 42 yards for a 21-0 Groton Area lead at the quarter break.
Quarterback Asher Johnson scored again from three yards out to open the second period. Roncalli did get on the board with 6:26 left in the half, but the Tigers answered with an Anthony Tracy five-yard run with 45 seconds remaining in the second quarter to lead 34-6 at halftime.
Anthony Tracy scored again on a 12-yard jaunt at the 8:28 mark of the third period and three minutes later Keegan Tracy ran his second punt back from 75 yards out. Ryder Schelle wrapped up the Tigers’ scoring with a one-yard run with 5:44 to play.
Game statistics reflected Groton Area’s total domination in the game. The Tigers ran for 227 yards and limited Roncalli to just four on the ground. GA passed just four times and completed a pair for 44 yards and the Cavaliers were just 3-13 for 33 yards and the Tigers picked off two of them.
Schelle led GA rushers with 102 yards on 18 carries and Asher Johnson added 8-75. Keegan Tracy caught both passes.
On the defensive side of the ball Conner Glines had eight tackles and a sack and Logan Warrington came up with five stops and a sack.
FOR FULL STATS SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL
