Gar-Field rallies by Colonial Forge

By Brian Hunsicker

Published: August 29, 2008

STAFFORD – Bryce Miller saw the opening, no matter how slim it looked from afar. The Gar-Field running back took a handoff on the right side from quarterback Aaron Jackson, ran right and cut toward the goal line.
For a moment, Miller disappeared among a pack of defenders and teammates trying to block those defenders. He emerged in the clear on the other side, running untouched into the end zone for the decisive score in the Indians’ 20-14 season-opening win over non-district foe Colonial Forge.
Miller accounted for two of Gar-Field’s scores and finished with 184 rushing yards – a total greater than the output of the Eagles’ total offense.
“Bryce runs extremely hard,” said Indians coach Tom Gryder, who earned his first head coaching win. “He’s got great vision.”
Backup DeVonte Piggott had a quiet first half – one carry for a 1-yard loss – but was effective in the second half in relief of Miller. His 27 yards on the Indians’ final drive of the game helped salt away the clock.
The Indians’ defense had a strong night as well, limiting the Eagles (0-1) to 26 rushing yards. Though Forge quarterback Blake Frohnapfel threw for 133 yards – including 95 to his brother, tight end Eric – most of the yardage came on a handful of big plays.
Gar-Field’s defense came alive with the game on the line. With the Eagles driving for a potential tying score, linebacker Tavon Town came up with a sack on third down that stalled the drive and gave the Indians a chance to run down the clock. When Forge took over, it had just 39 seconds to score from its own 18-yard line.
“It was a good game all around for the team. We work as one, we win as one,” Town said.
But the Indians will have work to do before their next game. Gar-Field was flagged for 14 penalties totaling 105 yards.
“It got to the point where I didn’t even saying anything,” Gryder said. “It’s nice to escape with wins in situations like that. We didn’t play really well, and we came out with a win. Anytime you come out with a win and you play poorly, it’s a real good day for you.”
Gar-Field running back Reggie Dingle was injured during the game and had to be carried onto the field to hear Gryder’s post-game speech. Gryder said that Dingle had been hit in the knee by a helmet and they were hopeful the injury was just a strain.