Salty defense gives new Grapevine coach Mike Alexander win over Azle in debut
Grapevine’s defense took control after holding on a fourth-and-2 play deep in Mustangs territory in the first quarter en route to a 34-10 victory over Azle.
Key players: Grapevine nose guard Cole Stephenson blocked a punt deep in Azle territory in the second quarter and fell on the recovery in the end zone to put the Mustangs ahead 14-0 right for a touchdown before halftime. He picked up a sack and two more tackles for loss in the second half. Grapevine quarterback Alan Bowman, a Texas Tech commit who came into his senior season as the Mustangs’ career passing leader (7,660 yards), was 18 for 32 passing for 156 yards, one touchdown and one interception right before halftime. Junior running back Roshawn Prear ran for 101 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
Key stat: The Mustangs held Azle to 100 yards in the first half and just 81 more in the second half. Grapevine’s defense, led by its line, allowed Azle just 69 yards rushing.
Records: Grapevine 1-0; Azle 0-1
Matthew Martinez: 817-390-7667, @MCTinez817
This story was originally published September 1, 2017 at 10:47 PM with the headline "Salty defense gives new Grapevine coach Mike Alexander win over Azle in debut."