Grosse Pointe News

Sean Cotton, Owner • Anne Gryzenia, Publisher • Jody McVeigh, Editor In Chief • Meg Leonard, Senior Editor

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South mauls North, 54-0Free Access


South quarterback Ryan Downey looks for his blockers to make a path for him to run on a first-half gain. Photo by Paul Kania

One of the greatest football rivalries in the state, Grosse Pointe South vs. Grosse Pointe North, has produced some of the most intense games in the 50-year history.

Last weekend was a historic night as Grosse Pointe South won the most lopsided victory in the five decades, dismantling host Grosse Pointe North 54-0. The win also clinched the Macomb Area Conference White Division title for a third year in a row.

“Our kids played very well,” South head coach Tim Brandon said. “We prepared. We were physical, we were fast. We got the job done tonight.

“They’re great kids and they truly played for each other.”

Despite the constant drizzle and cool temperatures, it was total domination by the Blue Devils.

They forced a punt on the opening possession and then drove inside the Norsemen’s red zone before settling for a 24-yard field goal by junior Ben Gabrion.

The Blue Devils forced a fumble on the next series and recovered at North’s 42-yard line. Eight plays later senior running back Conor McKenna scored on a 1-yard run and Gabrion kicked the extra point to make it 10-0 late in the opening quarter.

The Blue Devils’ defense set the tone on the next series, forcing a Norsemen punt from deep in their own end zone. Defensive coordinator Chad Hepner sent everyone in and he was rewarded when they blocked the punt and fell on the ball in the end zone for a defensive touchdown.

Gabrion kicked the PAT, and it was 24-0 five seconds into the second quarter.

The Norsemen put together a drive midway through the second quarter, but consecutive negative plays and a quarterback sack drove the line of scrimmage back to midfield.

The Norsemen tried a fake punt, but the upman was sacked for a 14-yard loss, giving the ball back to the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils recorded a safety on the Norsemen’s next drive, tackling the ball carrier in the end zone, and junior Grant Hart returned the free kick to the Norsemen’s 6-yard line.

Senior Brady McCarron added another touchdown, scoring on a 2-yard run. Gabrion’s PAT made it 26-0 with 2:06 left in the second quarter.

The Norsemen were forced to punt again. They tried another fake from their own 11-yard line, but the play was foiled and the Blue Devils tackled the upman at the North 7-yard line.

Junior Kevin McCarron scored on a 1-yard run with 50 seconds left and the rout was on. Gabrion kicked the extra point and it was 33-0.

South got the second half kickoff and two plays later senior quarterback Ryan Downey ran 38 yards for a touchdown. Gabrion converted yet another extra point and the Blue Devils had a 40-0 lead with 11:03 left in the third quarter.

Senior Patrick Dougherty scored on a 31-yard run midway through the third quarter and junior Devyn Griffin scored on a 12-yard run midway through the fourth quarter to complete the scoring. Gabrion kicked seven extra points and a field goal to finish with 10 points.

For the Blue Devils, the defense had six sacks, recorded a safety and scored a touchdown. They held the Norsemen to less than 50 yards of total offense.

For the Norsemen, senior Ka’Ronn Henderson had 41 yards rushing on 11 carries.

Grosse Pointe South finished 5-0 in the MAC White Division and improved to 8-0 overall, while Grosse Pointe North finished 1-4 in the division and dropped to 1-7 overall.

Both play at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19.

South hosts Romeo, while North travels to Anchor Bay.