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The LBJ Eagles took the field Friday night with a new attitude, and it paid off. The Eagles overtook the Granger Lions with a score of 27 to 14. A well-played defense was a definite determining factor in the win over the Lions.

The game got off to a slow start with an entire first half that seemed to drag on forever. The Lions were the first to score with just seconds left in the first quarter. Two big plays up the middle and a good extra point got them the first 7 on the scoreboard. The Eagles turned around, after only 19 seconds ticked off the clock in the second quarter, and answered back with their own run up the middle. Great blocking by the offensive line provided a great starting point for Trent Rodriguez’s touchdown run. Extra point was good.

The Eagles only had one additional series in the second quarter, leaving it up to their defense to bring them in at the half with a score of 7 to 7. The Lions held possession of the football for what seemed like forever. Penalties from both sides of the line of scrimmage seemed to take up what was left of the first half. The Eagles defense showcased two amazing stand offs within 20 yards of the goal line at the end of the second quarter preventing the Lions from the opportunity to score.

Johnson City came back after the half ready to play some football. The Eagles took their first possession at their 30-yard line. After a few plays on the ground and a beautiful pass from Quarterback Cody Smith to Laramie Blackwell, the Eagles were set up with another run into the end zone by Trent Rodriguez. Rodriguez also made an extra point with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter.

Granger answered back with their only other touchdown of the night leaving the third quarter score tied 14 to 14.

The Eagles were set on wrapping up this ball game with the first possession of the fourth quarter. Granger had the ball on their 30 when Jason Guthrie came in and caused a fumble that was recovered by Coy Zbytovsky. The Eagles took over on the 28-yard line. First play was another completion between Cody Smith and Laramie Blackwell across the middle. Blackwell took it in for the touchdown. The extra point failed.

The defense came into play again when the Lions took over after the kick off at their 30-yard line. Then there were two quarter back sacks in a row. The first one was by Coy Zbytovsky and Dustin Harvey was followed by another with Zbytovsky, Ridge Weeks and Aaron Humphrey. This caused the Lions to punt.

Johnson City took over on their own 32-yard line. Dustin Harvey had an amazing run up the middle for 38 yards landing the Eagles in Granger’s territory with only 18 yards to the goal line. After that the Eagles had a hard time moving the ball. They let it go over on downs to Granger at the Eagles 9 yard line. Granger worked their way down the field and the Eagles once again made two fantastic stands with-in the 20-yard line. The Eagles walked off the field with a 27 to 14 win.