GRAVETTE — Gravette coach Bill Harrelson always likes to have two quarterbacks ready to play - just in case.
Just in case came Friday night.
Senior starter Colt Moorman suffered a mild concussion during the third series of the game but junior Colton Davis, who alternates each series with Moorman, took the helm and led Gravette to a 28-8 win against Jay, OK, at J. B. Earp Stadium.
Davis threw three touchdown passes as the Lions (1-0) played errorfree football on the road in the season opener.
"That's why you always want to work two quarterbacks," Harrelson said.
Moorman could have returned to the game if needed, but as a precaution Harrelson held him out. Moorman will be ready to play this Friday night in the home opener against McDonald County, MO.
Gravette also got three field goals (42, 38 and 22 yards) from Cody Montee. The first two put Gravette ahead 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Lions pushed that lead to 13-0 in the second quarter when Davis threw his first touchdown pass - a 48-yarder to David O'Brien.
Montee put Gravette up 16-0 at the half with his third field goal. The scoring drive was set up after the Lions held the Bulldogs on downs inside the Gravette 5. Davis quickly led the Lions down the field in the half's final minute to give Montee the chance.
"That was big right before the half," Harrelson said of the field goal.
But Jay wasn't about to go away. At least not in the third quarter. The Bulldogs cut the Gravette lead in half on a touchdown pass from Brandon Edge to Indy Jones and the subsequent two-point conversion.
Michael Croasdell ended whatever comeback hopes Jay had when he took the ensuing kickoff back to midfield. Davis completed the drive with another touchdown toss to O'Brien. Davis later connected with Croasdell on another touchdown pass to make up the final score.
"This was a good win for us," Harrelson said. "To go on the road and beat a good Jay football team."
News, Pages 14 on 09/09/2009