The Grace Community Cougars secured a 42-13 victory over Dallas Bishop Dunne on Friday, with the game concluding early due to gunshots reported in a nearby neighborhood. The contest at Earl Hayes Stadium in Dallas ended with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Grace Coach Tyler Fleet stated that "the teams were safe when the game was called."
The Cougars' win marked their fourth consecutive victory, improving their overall record to 4-3 and their TAPPS Division II District 2 record to 2-0. Dallas Bishop Dunne's Falcons fell to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in district play.
Quarterback Slade Etheredge led the Grace offense, throwing for three touchdowns. Etheredge completed 8 of 14 passing attempts for 234 yards, adding two carries for 17 yards. He also had one interception during the game.
Bradon Alexander was a significant contributor, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Alexander also showcased his receiving skills, catching two passes for 110 yards, both resulting in touchdowns, including a 77-yard reception from Etheredge in the fourth period. Christian Henry contributed with four catches for 85 yards and a 41-yard touchdown from Etheredge in the first quarter. Bruhn Henry also reached the end zone twice with a 10-yard run and a 2-yard run, accumulating 48 yards on six carries. Dylan Stinson added two receptions for 39 yards.
Defensively, Andrew Gardner was a standout for the Cougars, recording 15 tackles, three assists, four tackles for loss, and one sack.
Grace established an early lead, with Etheredge connecting for a 41-yard touchdown pass to Christian Henry and a 33-yard touchdown pass to Alexander in the first quarter, making the score 14-0. Josiah King successfully converted both extra points. Bruhn Henry extended the lead to 21-0 with a 10-yard run, followed by another extra point from King. In the third quarter, Alexander scored on a 1-yard run, and King again made the PAT, pushing the score to 28-7. Bishop Dunne managed to pull within 28-13 before the start of the fourth quarter.
Grace secured further points in the final period. Alexander hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass from Etheredge, and King added the extra point. The final score was set by Bruhn Henry's 2-yard touchdown run, with King's PAT closing out the game at 42-13.
The Cougars will now prepare to host Brook Hill for a crucial district matchup to decide the district lead. The game is scheduled for Friday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at Clyde-Perkins Stadium.
