Grace Academy Dominates Hill County 54-7 in Quarterfinal Rout

Grace Academy needed just 13 offensive plays to score 54 points and punch its ticket to the semifinals, steamrolling Hill County 54-7 in a quarterfinal matchup that was over before halftime.

The Griffin's explosive offense struck early and often, scoring on seven straight possessions — all touchdowns — before taking a knee to run out the clock in the second half. By the time Hill County finally got on the board with a late second-quarter touchdown, Grace Academy had already built a 54-0 lead.

Sophomore running back Elijah Heilig continued his postseason terror, rushing for 77 yards and three touchdowns on only seven carries. Quarterback Bridger Maxwell was nearly perfect, completing both of his pass attempts for 47 yards and a score while adding two rushing touchdowns of his own (35 and 19 yards).

In total, five different Grace players scored rushing touchdowns.“We’ve got a lot of guys who can make big plays,” Coach Golemon said after the game. “Tonight was just one of those nights where everything clicked early.”

Defensively, Grace Academy suffocated Hill County from the opening whistle. The Thunder held the Hornets to just 77 total yards and two first downs while forcing six failed fourth-down attempts. Junior linebacker Samuel Moore was a one-man wrecking crew, racking up 11 total tackles, four sacks, and four tackles for loss.Hill County managed only one scoring drive — a short field late in the second quarter that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass and a successful extra-point kick, preventing the shutout.

Key StatsGrace Academy (54)

• Total offense: 213 yards on 13 plays (16.3 yards per play)

• Rushing: 166 yards, 6 TD

• Passing: 2-2, 47 yards, 1 TD

• Time of possession: Did not matter

• Third-down efficiency: 1-1 (100%)

Hill County (7)

• Total offense: 77 yards on 36 plays (2.1 yards per play)

• 0-for-9 on third down, 0-for-6 on fourth down

• No turnovers forced

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With the blowout victory, Grace Academy advances to face Grace Classical Christian Academy in next week’s semifinal. If Friday night was any indication, the Griffin's high-octane attack — and suffocating defense — will be a tough combination for anyone left on their schedule.

Final score: Grace Academy 54, Hill County 7.