Cougars win third straight, open district play with 39-21 rally on Homecoming

October 5, 2026 – Grace Community School’s varsity football team turned in another second-half comeback on Homecoming and Senior Night Friday, beating the Grace Prep Lions 39-21 to open district play and extend its winning streak to three games.

After trailing 14-7 at halftime, the Cougars scored 32 points in the second half to pull away.

Slade Etheredge led the offense, completing 16 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns. Christian Henry was his top target again, hauling in eight catches for 145 yards and all three scores. Bradon Alexander added 121 yards and a touchdown on 13 touches, scoring after a fourth-quarter interception by Elias McQuay.

The defense matched the offense’s energy. Bruhn Henry and Luke Burks each led the team with 10 tackles. Henry also added two quarterback pressures and a tackle for loss, while Burks broke up a pass. McQuay’s interception stopped a Grace Prep drive inside the Cougars’ 20-yard line with the Lions threatening to make it a one-score game.

Wyatt Buchanan delivered another big play in the 4th quarter. On third down, a snap sailed over the Grace Prep quarterback’s head, and Buchanan recovered the fumble and scored a touchdown. He finished with seven tackles, a quarterback pressure and a tackle for loss to go with the fumble recovery.

After starting the season 0-3, the Cougars are 3-3 overall and 1-0 in district play. They hit the road Friday, Oct. 9, to face Bishop Dunne at 7 p.m.