Griswold-Wheeler bounces back with dominant win

JEWETT CITY – There were a lot of grumpy people around the Griswold/Wheeler football program this past week.

One week after the high of an opening-game blowout win and turf field dedication, the Wolverines deflated after a tight loss to WIndham in week 2. And in week 3 practices, some Griswold players were no-shows or didn't train because of sickness.

Not exactly a recipe for bouncing back from a loss.

But when the lights went on Friday against Woodstock Academy, Griswold/Wheeler responded in a big way, dominating from start to finish in a 41-7 victory at Griswold High School.

"I didn't like some players' attitudes and approach to our preparation for Woodstock," Griswold coach Gregg Wilcox said. "It was not fun around here. But what a response during the game. It was absolutely critical that we bounce back like this."

Depth aplenty

Not known for its depth, Griswold (2-1) featured contributions from multiple players in addition to stand out back Kin Kade Rubino, who rushed for over 100 yards, intercepted a pass, kicked two conversions and threw for a 2-point pass after a bad snap foiled the kick attempt. He also made a touchdown-saving tackle on Woodstock's final play of the first half when the score was close (22-7 Wolverine lead).

Sophomore Kolby Mills started in replace of three-year starter Luke Cassidy and opened with a 33-yard TD pass to sophomore Aaden Cutter, another usual reserve. Dean Menzano's 2-yard TD capped a Griswold score on its second drive to make it, 15-0.

Turner overdrive

Woodstock answered with a touchdown on Sam Clark's 33-yard pass to make the score, 15-7. Then Griswold usual starting fullback Josh Turner, benched early for lateness to film session, made his first appearance and added a punishing running style to break the game open.

Turner hammered in the end zone for a 2-yard TD run and a 22-7 lead. He finished with 80 yards and two TDs, brandishing a Derrick Henry stiff arm to shed a tackler once.

"I missed film session and paid the price," Turner said. "Basically I was angry the whole game and wanted to hit somebody."

Second half blitz

Griswold scored three times in the second half: a 56-yard run on a counter play from Kiyle Montigny, a Turner 11-yard run and  Mills' 2-yard run.

Turner and Rubino had interceptions, and defensive tackle Jonathan MacFeat, who moved into Griswold from North Dakota this winter, set a dominant tone on the line.

"It's not every day I get a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder walk in here," Wilcox said. "He plays very hard and is an emotional leader."

They said it

When asked what he feels about playing two quarterbacks, Wilcox replied, "Both played well. Mills and Cassidy each bring something different to the table. The Double Wing can move with either one playing."

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Griswold-Wheeler rebounds with 41-7 win against Woodstock Academy