It was the running offense of Escalon against the aerial attack of Hughson, but it was the arm of the Cougars’ Carson Grogan that made the difference in a 26-6 Escalon victory on Thursday night. Grogan’s two touchdown passes were backed by a stout defense that added four interceptions in a game that saw the ball in the air often.

Escalon opened the scoring on a 41-yard Frank Leal run. Just three minutes later, a Hughson turnover set up a 68-yard Grogan to Devin Roberson touchdown pass. Grogan hit Roberson again for the two-point conversion, and the Cougars had a 14-0 first quarter lead.

Both teams struggled to move the ball in the second quarter. Hughson managed a late drive that was capped with a one yard run, making the score 14-6 at the half.

Escalon took the ball in the third quarter, and again it was Grogan’s turn. This time his target was fullback Jordan Gwartney, who took the pass for a 35-yard touchdown and a 20-6 Cougar lead.

The fourth quarter saw another Gwartney score, a long 79-yard run which sealed the win, 26-6.

“It was great to see the team bounce back from last week’s loss,” commented Coach Roger Beeman. “Hughson gave us lots of different looks, and it took some good adjustments by our guys to stay on top. The TVL is tough, even at the freshman level, and teams have to work hard every week. I’m really proud of our kids.”

This week, the freshmen will be on their home field, hosting Hilmar on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. They have a bye next week, the host Ripon on Oct. 29 to close out the season.