G-T uses aerial assault to roll past Rockets

Getting some added help from tight end Beau Craig, the Graettinger-Terril football team picked up right where they left off last season, using a balanced offensive attack and overpowering defense to down Remsen-Union 25-13 in non-district play.

After finishing as one of the eight best teams at the 8-player ranks in 2009, the Knights built a quick 19-0 cushion on the road when quarterback Eric Hatland tossed three touchdown strikes to Craig in the opening half.

"They were very big and physical and it caused us to have to pass more than we had thought," said Graettinger-Terril coach Karlton Hector. "We still pounded out some decent yards rushing, but we have a lot to work on. Our receivers made some big catches for us to help us score some points. Overall, it was good to get out and play the first one so we could see where we really need to improve. We are looking for some big improvements from week one to week two."

Hatland, a first-year starter at quarterback, found Craig for a 3-yard scoring connection that got the Knights on the scoreboard.

Craig hauled two more scoring catches in the second stanza, scoring from 25 yards and 16 yards out.

The Rockets came out of halftime reenergized after Jacob Fiedler returned the opening kickoff 60 yards. Five plays later, Kyle Frericks scored on a 2-yard run.

However, G-T answered the bell on the very next play when Hatland sprinted 75-yards down the sideline to paydirt.

Remsen-Union added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough as the Rockets fell 25-13 in their 2010 debut. Josh Bohnenkamp crossed the goal line from 11 yards away on the scoring play.

"For the first game of the year, it was great to get a win," said Hector. "Remsen-Union is a really good team. They will have a great season and we may end up seeing them again."

Graettinger-Terril racked up 111 yards in the first quarter, including 71 through the air. The Knights added 75 yards in the second and 84 in the third to put the game out of reach. Remsen-Union compiled 78 out of their 216 total yards in the fourth quarter.

Craig reeled in four receptions for 81 yards and three scores, while Nate Howard rumbled for 145 yards on 32 carries. Hatland had 37 yards on the ground and was 5-of-13 passing for 96 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in his first career start under center.

The Knights forced three turnovers, getting picks from Trent Lundgren, Blaze Alesch and Hatland. Hatland led the squad with nine tackles, followed by Craig with eight and Howard with seven stops.

Graettinger-Terril plays host to Ventura this upcoming Friday in non-district action. The Vikings feel by a 24-0 margin to West Bend-Mallard in Week 1 of the Iowa high school football season.