The Tri-County Vikings took on their longtime rivals, the Grant Tigers, in a clash of styles. Grant favors the rushing attack with a T-based offense, while Tri-County has a high-octane approach that features big chunk plays. The clash proved to be fatal for Grant, as they were unable to keep up in a 55-9 rout.
In the first quarter, the Vikings struck first on a 3-yard touchdown plunge by Chase Keller. Grant would answer with a 28-yard field goal, but Tri-County immediately answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Button to grab a 12-3 advantage.
For the remainder of the first half, it was all Vikings. They got three more touchdowns to balloon their lead to 34-3. The highlight reel play in the second quarter was a 91-yard interception return for a touchdown by Grayson Butler.
Tri-County enacted the running clock with Keller’s two yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Grant finally broke the drought with a fourth quarter score, but on the ensuing kickoff, David Reed weaved through oncoming tacklers for a 95-yard kick return touchdown. Chase Brooks capped off the night with a 37-yard touchdown.
It was a big night for Chase Keller who paced the Vikings rushing attack with 17 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. This win propels Tri-County to 3-0. Next week, they have their biggest test of the season when they face 3-0 Big Rapids in a game that is pivotal to the CSAA-Gold race. Grant, now 1-2 on the season, will take on Reed City in another challenging league contest.
