The Comstock Park Panthers began their 2022 season with a few question marks. After several key players departed, many wondered if they would be able to pick up where they left off a year ago, when they were 9-1 and OK Silver champions. Though all of the questions cannot be answered in one week, they did manage to earn their first victory of the year. Comstock Park defeated Grant 24-12.
Grant’s head coach, Jason Hill, was making first varsity head coach debut in this game. Prior to being hired, he served on Coach Doug Samuels’ staff in Comstock Park. The familiarity appeared to allow the Tigers to hang in this game longer than many anticipated.
Easton Hood, one of the key returners for Park, got the season started with a touchdown run. His 12-yard carry gave the team a 6-0 edge. Grant rallied with Oakley Obenoff tossing a touchdown Chase Geers was a key target for the Tigers throughout the night, including this 62-yard touchdown pass. As a result of the aerial attack, it was 12-6 Grant after one quarter of play.
Hood would provide the equalizer in the second quarter. He toted the football past the oncoming Grant defense for a 15-yard touchdown. A failed two-point conversion left the teams tied at 12 as they entered the locker room.
Neither team would score in the third quarter. As the final frame commenced, Donovan Cummings broke the deadlock. He was inserted at quarterback and kept the football for a score. After another Obenoff touchdown tied the game at 18 again. There was just enough time on the clock for Hood to carry for a third touchdown, giving the Panthers a 24-18 victory.
Easton Hood finished this game with 254 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers will look to win their Week 2 matchup next week when they face Holland. Grant hosts Chippewa Hills in their first CSAA Gold matchup.
