Grace ends regular season with win, advances to first round of state playoffs

- Idaho State Journal

Grace 56, Raft River 8

After allowing an early touchdown to Raft River, Grace came back to take complete control, scoring a 56-8 win and earning a postseason berth for the first time in eight years. The Grizzlies have won their last four games after beginning the season 0-5.

“I’m really proud of this team,” Grace coach Steve Millward said. “They came out at halftime with a lot of extra energy. They wanted to be in the state playoffs so bad they could taste it.”

Now his team will enter the playoffs with a game at Notus at 7 p.m on Friday.

Sophomore quarterback Josh Jensen threw for over 200 yards and four touchdowns, while junior running back Trevor Simonson and senior fullback Kendal Bitton scored two touchdowns each.

On the defensive side, the Grizzlies (4-5, 3-3 1A Division I District 4, 5, 6) did not allow the Trojans another point after that first quarter score. Instead, Grace’s defense stepped up with its strongest showing of the season.

“The defense was a little nervous at first, especially on defense, but once we started scoring, they settled down and played really good football.” Millward said.

Millward said he already has film on the Pirates, who won the Third District, and will begin watching as soon as possible.

“I feel like we can match up pretty well against them,” he said. “We’re confident going up against this team.”