Local Sports Journal
An early scoring burst and a tough defensive stand in the final minute allowed the Shelby Tigers to secure a 21-14 victory over Grant in the football opener for both schools.
The Tigers raced to a 21-0 halftime lead and seemed in firm control midway through the third quarter. Quarterback Andy Fortier paced the effort with three touchdown passes, including a 14-yarder to Brody Lee, a 6-yard toss to Forest Courtright and a 35-yard scoring strike to Lee.
Then Shelby’s defense took over and withstood a furious Grant comeback in the second half.
Grant’s two touchdowns came on a 35-yard pass from Garrett Bomay to Jacob Davis and a 60-yard scoring burst by Brandon Boster. The Tigers were driving for a tying score in the final minute of the game before their drive ended on downs near midfield.
Fortier was 8-for-11 through the air for 130 yards for Shelby. Tony Guerra added 61 yards rushing while Courtright had 44. Dylan Unger caught three passes for 30 yards while Lee contributed four catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
Devan Mussel stood out with three interceptions for the winners. Leading defensively for Shelby were Courtright with 8, Saul Salgado with 7 and Kasey DeWitt with 6.
