Cougars Open District Play with Strong Win Over Brentwood

September 29, 2025 – The Grace Cougar football team returned to the win column with a hard-fought 33–14 victory over Brentwood Christian on Friday night, marking a strong start to district play.

Senior Cole Stanley stepped in at quarterback and led the Cougar offense with poise, completing 10 of 14 passes for 125 yards and adding 60 rushing yards on the ground. Sophomore Brandon Alexander delivered a standout performance in the backfield, carrying the ball 25 times for 101 yards and scoring three touchdowns.

In the receiving game, senior Doak Porter led the way with 62 yards on three catches. Senior Justus McQuay contributed on both the ground and through the air, gaining 65 total yards on just three touches. Senior Elijah Hicks added 37 receiving yards on five receptions, while junior Andrew Gardner made a key grab for a two-point conversion.

Defensively, the Cougars were anchored by Hicks and Gardner. Hicks totaled six tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown, while Gardner recorded nine tackles, including two for loss, and applied pressure on the quarterback three times. Junior Aaron Vidrine led the team in tackles with 12, also recording two tackles for loss.

The Cougars now turn their focus to a pivotal district matchup against Brook Hill on Friday night. Grace will make the short trip to take on the Guard, aiming to improve to 2–0 in district play. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and Cougar fans are encouraged to pack the stands for this high-stakes showdown against a longtime district rival. Let’s bring the energy and back the Cougars in one of the season’s most anticipated matchups!