Down Goes Big Blue

Troup racked up 299 rushing yards and 129 receiving yards, setting the tone early when #7 Davis Moncus opened the game with a touchdown reception. Moncus suffered an injury two weeks ago in Troup’s Homecoming game against Upson-Lee. With just hours left on the countdown clock to kickoff, doctors cleared Moncus to play in the emotional crosstown matchup. Moncus padded up, applied eye black, and took the field with his team. 

After the game, Tigers’ head coach Tanner Glisson reflected on Moncus’s return and impact on the game:

“He is just really a great player for us,” Glisson said. “He gave our guys a little extra confidence with him playing. He did a great job. He’s such a gamer, he knows our schemes inside out, so I had no reservations as long as he was 100% healthy.”

The Tigers’ defense made a huge stand in the first half, blocking a 50-yard field goal attempt by LaGrange. #2 Garrison Edwards turned on the jets with a 44-yard rushing touchdown, giving Troup a strong early lead.

The Grangers responded when #1 Dylan Barber punched in a 5-yard rushing touchdown to start the second quarter. LaGrange’s #4 Caydin Thomas added another rushing touchdown, and Cooper Metcalf nailed the PAT to tie the game 14–14.

Under a minute before halftime, #3 Blaize Bell gave the Tigers back the lead with a touchdown, sending Troup into the locker room ahead 21–14.

Another notable matchup as a part of the evening took place on the field during halftime as the LaGrange High Sound of Champions and Troup High Pride of Troup County Marching Bands took the field. Troup, as the away team, performed their show first titled “Unconditional” and took us on a journey inspired by love. LaGrange wrapped up with their show “Dancing through the Decades”, making a groovy ending to lead right back into the second half of football.

In the third quarter, #9 Jeremiah Culpepper recovered a fumble and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 28–14. Another player to highlight is #8 Trent Hodo. He continued Troup’s ground dominance with 80 rushing yards, including a 7-yard touchdown run that made it 35–14.

LaGrange’s #23 Myles Blandingburg opened the fourth quarter with a score, but Troup’s defense held firm. Davis Moncus sealed the game with a late interception, capping off an inspiring comeback performance.

Troup kicker #30 McCarty Harrelson had 8-points on the night and stayed perfect on extra points going 5-for-5.

The Tigers’ win not only ended LaGrange’s streak but also reaffirmed Troup’s status as a force to be reckoned with heading into the final stretch of the season, continuing their undefeated season.