Huge Rushing Performance Pushes Tyler Grace Past San Augustine

SAN AUGUSTINE -- Speedster Kade Clayton picked up where he left off last season and the Tyler Grace ground game propelled the Cougars to a 46-33 season-opening win at San Augustine on Friday.

Clayton ran 22 times for 279 yards and three touchdowns as the Cougars racked up 450 rushing yards and averaged 11 yards per rushing attempt. Clayton, who holds offers from SMU, Texas State, and Old Dominion, ran for more than 1,500 yards as a junior.

Quarterback Chandler Nutt also had a big game. He completed 7 of 11 passes for 130 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while carrying 11 times for 120 yards.

Receiver Johnny Spitzer caught all seven of Nutt's completions, accounting for all of the Cougars' receiving yardage and touchdown grabs. Tyler Grace's Zach Tatman added a rushing touchdown.

San Augustine's Jamikel Roberts also had a big game. He completed 10 of 23 passes for 211 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, while running 16 times for 167 yards.

San Augustine's Jarvis Smith caught five passes for 85 yards and two scores. Teammate Dez Randle snagged three passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns, while J.D. Brown caught three passes for 58 yards and one score. Tailback Jeremy Jenkins ran for 108 yards on 23 carries.

The game was tied 21-21 at halftime before Grace scored 19 unanswered third-quarter points thanks to two Nutt touchdown passes and a 25-yard Clayton touchdown run. San Augustine did not get closer than 13 points the rest of the game.

San Augustine's Ladarius Greer had nine tackles and forced a fumble. Teammate C.J. Berry had eight tackles, two for loss, one fumble recovery, and a kick block.

Tyler Grace hosts Mineola on Friday, while San Augustine is off before hosting Deweyville on Sept. 13.