Grizzlies take ‘Pride’ in win

ELK GROVE — The last few seasons the road to the Sierra Delta League title went through Bradshaw Christian but after Friday’s 28-14 road win by Golden Sierra, the Grizzlies find themselves in front with a 2-0 record.

“Bradshaw (Christian) has been a league power and we as coaches really talked to the kids about being mentally prepared tonight,” Griz coach John Hilton said. “Our guys really dug deep when they tied it up and I think the kids saw tonight that they could play with anybody.”

After the Griz took a 14-6 lead to halftime the Pride pulled off a successful onside kick and quickly found pay dirt five plays later. Daniel Lesher’s interception stopped Bradshaw’s next series and Bryson Campbell’s 40-yard option run put the Grizzlies ahead for good.

Adam Sewell also found the end zone from 33 yards out to push the Grizzlies lead to 28-14.

Bradshaw opened the scoring with a 6-yard run, capping off a 17-play scoring drive off a Golden Sierra fumble. Two possessions later the Grizzlies forced their first of four turnovers as Chris Evans’ recovery led to Anthony Rosas’ 6-yard touchdown run.

“We had a few times where we kinda of lagged but our defense really stepped up,” Campbell said. “This was a huge win for us. ”

Bradshaw fumbled on its ensuing drive and Sewell recovered the loose ball. Five plays later the Grizzlies found the end zone as Lesher scored from the 5.

“Our defense really came up with some big plays tonight” Hilton said. “From last year’s game I don’t think we really thought we could play with them (Bradshaw). Tonight I couldn’t be more proud of our kids.”

Campbell led the Grizzlies with 89 yards on seven carries. Sewell added 60 yards and Lesher and Rosas each had 25 yards rushing. Campbell added an 8 yard pass to Brian Cann. Gracen Christensen had an interception in the second quarter to stop a Bradshaw drive.