ALTAMONT — Driving 99 yards after a goal line stand gave the Labette County Grizzlies a 27-20 win over the Winfield Vikings in Week 2 on Friday night, giving the Grizzlies their first 2-0 start to a season since 2003.
“We got off to a really good start, getting up 13-0 in the first five minutes,” Labette County head coach Bradley Argabright said. “Then it became a great football game. It was two really good teams playing. We started off really well and finished really well.”
After claiming an early two-touchdown advantage, Labette County surrendered the lead as Winfield staked a 20-19 edge.
With eight minutes left, Winfield had the ball inside the Grizzlies’ 5-yard line.
Labette County’s defense stonewalled the Vikings.
“They had the momentum going into that drive,” Argabright said. “Mikel Reed had two really great plays to stop the quarterback on a sneak. I can’t say enough about the defense. That’s what propelled us to go 99 yards on offense and win the game.”
On the ensuing drive, the Grizzlies marched the length of the field to secure the win.
“We really ran the ball well that last drive,” Argabright said. “I can’t say enough about how that last drive ended. We finished the game off. I was so proud of our guys. And our defense played so well all night. They only gave up seven points.”
Jamaal Jackson, Labette County’s star running back, didn’t appear in Friday night’s home opener with a knee injury.
Deontae Fields, filling Jackson’s void, rushed for 147 yards and nabbed an interception.
“He played a really good game and he’s stepping into his own,” Argabright said. “He took care of the ball. He had one fumble that I know he wishes he had back. But we trust him to have big plays. He’s starting to be patient, see holes and burst through them.”
Fields’ production in Jackson’s absence has steadied the choppy waters.
“We’ve got an experienced offensive line and they have someone they trust behind him to run the ball,” Argabright said. “It’s huge for our team. We preach next-manup. It’s really special for our team.”
Two of Winfield’s three scores came off-script — a kickoff return and a fumble recovery — which allowed the Vikings to dig out of a two-touchdown hole.
“We had a few drives that didn’t go our way,” Argabright said. “We want to limit big plays and we gave up three of them that almost cost us the game. We can’t march down the field on a 10-play drive then give up a kickoff return. I thought we played well. We just had a few plays where we weren’t in our right assignments. We’ve got to clean those plays up.”
Nolan Nash was the star receiver for the Grizzlies, hauling in six catches for 139 yards. Aaron Wyrick completed 9-of-15 passes with one touchdown and one pick.
Up next
Labette County hosts Pittsburg in Week 3.
“They’ve got a great team that’s really good upfront,” Argabright said. “We’ve never beaten them in school history. It’s the first time since 2003 we’ve started 2-0. We’re going to be at home. So we want to take the field as soon as we can.”
