Grace Academy Griffins Soar Past Valor Eagles 73-28 Despite Key Injuries

GEORGETOWN, Texas — Even without their star Junior running back Elijah Heilig and versatile junior Cole Campbell — both sidelined with lingering injuries — the Grace Academy Griffins found ways to dominate on both sides of the ball, rolling to a convincing 73-28 victory over the Valor Eagles on Friday night.

Freshman Nathan Washington stepped into the spotlight with a breakout performance, rushing 22 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns while adding a 35-yard kickoff return for another score. Washington's physical running style wore down the Eagles' defense, highlighted by a 62-yard burst in the fourth quarter that helped seal the deal.“We’ve been asking Nathan to carry a bigger load with Heilig out, and he’s responded like a champ,” head coach Golemon said after the game. “This team has depth, and nights like tonight prove it.”

Quarterback Bridger Maxwell managed the offense efficiently, completing 5 of 8 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns — both to senior wideout Will Yassa (40 and 16 yards). Maxwell also chipped in 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on designed keepers.

The Griffin defense forced three turnovers, including a momentum-swinging 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by Yassa just before halftime that pushed the lead to 47-22.

Junior captain Samuel Moore was everywhere, leading the team with 12 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble while adding a 4-yard rushing touchdown on offense.

Valor kept it competitive early, answering Grace's opening score with a short touchdown run and later pulling within 31-22 on a 38-yard passing score. But the Eagles' 213 total yards (165 passing) couldn't keep pace with Grace's balanced attack, which piled up 378 yards and converted key fourth downs to sustain drives.

Key Stats

• Nathan Washington: 22 carries, 197 yards, 3 rush TD; 1 KR TD

• Bridger Maxwell: 5-8, 96 pass yds, 2 TD; 62 rush yds, 1 TD

• Will Yassa: 3 receptions, 56 yards, 2 TD; 1 INT return TD

• Grace rushing: 282 yards, 6 TD

• Turnovers forced: 3 (2 fumbles, 1 INT)

• Total yards: Grace 378, Valor 213

The win improves Grace Academy to 5-3 on the season and keeps the Griffins in strong position for a TAIAO Division III playoff spot with two regular-season games remaining. Despite the absences of Heilig and Campbell, the team's ability to adapt and execute bodes well for a potential deep postseason run.

Final: Grace Academy Griffins 73, Valor Eagles 28