Grandview is back-to-back defending state champions, and happy to get a chance to 3-peat, despite the pandemic.
Taking on Malakoff in the opener .... Grandview scored just before halftime on a misdirection play. Quarterback DANE JENTSCH throws to a wide-open LUKE FURGESON, and the Zebras took a 17-3 lead into halftime.
Midway through the third, Malakoff got going when their big quarterback DARION PEACE broke one. From their own 12 yard line, PEACE took off and then kicked it into 5th gear. He goes 88 yards for the touchdown, and the Tigers were within a score, at 17-10.
But the Zebras had a few tricks up their sleeve, and this one worked like a charm. Running back GAVIN LEFTWICH tosses it to wide receiver KASON ENGLISH, who then throws to the quarterback JENTSCH. Good move to get to the end zone, and Grandview was back up by 2 touchdowns.
Final minute, and Malakoff needs a touchdown to tie the game. PEACE escapes pressure and rolls left, throws deep to NATHAN JONES, who fights his way into the end zone for the touchdown with just 48 seconds left. The extra point tied the game at 24, and this one is headed into overtime!
Zebras get the ball first. JENTSCH fakes to his running back and keeps it, and he runs in for the score and a 31-24 lead .... and now it's Malakoff's turn.
The Tigers - facing a 4th down at the 2-yard line - and DAMETRIOUS CROWNOVER blows up the play. Grandview escapes Malakoff in overtime, 31-24.