On a chilly October night in Grainfield, Kansas, the boys of fall took the field for a heated battle. The week 6 installment of the Area Game of the Week pitted the Quinter Bulldogs (1-4) against the Wheatland/Grinnell Thunderhawks (4-1) in a battle for Gove County.
The Thunderhawks got the ball first and promptly turned it over deep in their own territory. Quinter was able to capitalize on the miscue by completing a 4th down touchdown pass to Sophomore tight end Jaden Boone. That made the score 6-0 in favor of the Bulldogs.
The Thunderhawks faced a 3rd down and 16 on their next drive, but were able to pick up the first down and much more on a 43 yard touchdown run by sophomore Tyrell Chapin. The ensuing conversion was good, giving Wheatland-Grinnell an 8-6 lead.
A receiving touchdown and punt return for touchdown by Thunderhawk Junior Johnny Phillips extended the lead to 22-6. However, the Bulldogs were able to punch in a touchdown run courtesy of Junior running back Tucker Gillespie. It was his 11th of the season. That made it 22-12. The Bulldogs had an opportunity to get another score before half, but threw an interception on 2nd down and goal to go. The scoreboard showed the Thunderhawks with a 22-12 halftime advantage.
Quinter got the ball to start the second half, but couldn’t muster much. Both teams ramped up the defense and exchanged several punts. Wheatland/Grinnell was eventually able to break things wide open thanks to timely touchdown runs by Chapin and Sophomore running back Issac Mendez. That made it 36 to 12.
The Bulldogs were able to get another receiving score from Boone, but it was too little to late, as the scoreboard showed: Grinnell/Wheatland 36 Quinter 18. That’s how it would end. The Thunderhawks had won the battle for Gove County.
Mendez and Chapin combined for 164 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns for the Thunderhawks. Freshman safety Jett Vincent had 2 interceptions for a Thunderhawk defense that forced 6 turnovers. Jaden Boone was outstanding for Quinter in the loss, catching 5 balls for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 13 tackles and 3 batted passes.
Wheatland/Grinnell is now 5-1 on the season and 3-0 in district play. They are tied atop district 6 with Brewster/Triplains, whom they face next week in Winona.
Quinter moves to 1-5 with a 1-2 district record. They are tied for 3rd in the district. They play at Dighton next week.
Next week’s Area Game of the Week will feature Phillipsburg (2-4) at Hoisington (6-0).