GRANVILLE The Granville football team opened the season with a 27-8 triumph over Marion-Franklin on an uncharacteristically cool and crisp Friday night.
The crowded stands at Walter Hodges Stadium watched a defensive battle between the two teams, despite initial doubts.
The Blue Aces kicked off the game, but their first drive was a three-and-out before they punted.
Except for a few good plays by each offense, it was the defenses that were going back and forth forcing stops on crucial downs.
Granville sophomore Kyle Kirby made his presence known early on defense with consecutive fourth-down stops.
The Blue Aces' third drive began with two powerful carries by senior Noah Musick.
The Blue Aces started to win, but a botched field goal attempt maintained the defensive battle.
In the second quarter, the Blue Aces took advantage of a pass pressure and a shifty pocket movement by quarterback Beckett Long to gain 30 yards downfield.
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