The GW Graham Grizzlies improved from last year, but the end result was the same in a preseason road loss to Oregon's Colton Vikings.
The junior varsity Grizzlies lost 42-0 last season. This year, the final was 21-0 in a sloppy mistake-filled game that was still up for grabs at halftime. GWG, using a roster of varsity and junior varsity players (Grades 9-12) trailed 6-0 at the break, but saw the game slip in the second half away as the starters came out and the backups went in.
Mistakes and penalties were costly.
A botched snap led to a fumble, which was returned 78 yards for a Viking major. Colten's game winning touchdown was a 36-yard off-tackle run, with the Viking tailback breaking tackles en-route to the endzone.
"It was a sloppy game from start to finish," said Grizzlies head coach Laurie Smith. "We made way too many mental errors, executed poorly at times and took unnecessary penalties."
The GWG defence was relatively stout.
Josh Pretty led the unit with seven solo tackles. Jordon Breuker had five.
Both GWG teams play their home openers Sept. 27, with a double header at Exhibition Stadium.