Graceville beats Vernon 28-16, Holmes County falls

VERNON – The victory wasn’t a thing of beauty, but the Graceville Tigers (4-1) were happy to get it as they defeated homestanding Vernon (2-2) 28-16 Friday night.

Both teams had fumbles and interceptions stop drives, but the Tigers’ strong ground game allowed them to control the ball for most of the game and wear down the smaller Yellow Jackets.

Graceville struck first when Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds with a 27-yard touchdown pass, with the successful two-pointer making it 8-0 with 4:17 left in the first quarter. Belton Snider matched that for Vernon with a 1-yard run with 13 seconds left in the first quarter, and the extra point kick making it 8-7.

Miles closed out first-half scoring with a 3-yard run with 3:32 left, and the two-pointer making it 16-7 at the half.

Graceville’s Leron Hoover scored from 14 yards out with 9:36 left in the third quarter to make it 22-7 Tigers, and Antrell Wright broke four tackles to score for the Tigers with 8:034 left in the game. A muffed punt gave Vernon a safety, and John Johnson hit Ashonvi Davis with a 33-yard touchdown pass with 1:57 left, and Cody Small’s kick ending scoring at 28-16.

Vernon opens district play against South Walton next week at homecoming, and Graceville plays Rocky Bayou Christian on the road.

More coverage online and in Wednesday's paper

Marianna beats Holmes County 40-6

MARIANNA - The Marianna Bulldogs remained unbeaten with a 40-6 home victory over the Holmes County Blue Devils Friday night.

MHS moves to 4-0 on the season, while the Blue Devils ares still seeking their first win. The Bulldogs led 26-0 at halftime.