Crowds packed into the Loyola Field stands on Saturday, Nov. 8, to watch the Grant High School Pacers face off against the Jesuit High School Marauders for the Delta League Football Championship.  The no. 3 ranked Jesuit team was ready to play coming off an eight game winning streak, but no. 2 ranked Grant was just as prepared coming in with an undefeated record at 9-0.

The Galley Crew hosted a pre-game barbecue with free food to hype up the game and increase student turnout, and it worked. The stands on both sides of the field were packed as Grant and Jesuit fans alike gathered to watch this showdown. The Galley Crew and Jesuit’s Pep Band came out in full force to support the team in their last regular season match up of the season.

Grant came out strong, scoring two touchdowns to get off to a quick 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Grant scored immediately in the second quarter, but junior Beau Bisharat soon returned the favor with a 26 yard rushing touchdown, making it 21-7 Grant. The Pacers eventually began to pull away, scoring two more touchdowns and a field goal with four seconds left in the half to increase their lead to 38-7.

The second half was a little slower as Jesuit’s defense picked up, Grant scoring just two touchdowns. Jesuit was not done just yet, however. The Marauders had the last say in things, scoring one more touchdown in the last minute of the game. This would be the final touchdown of the game, Jesuit falling to Grant 52-14.

Despite the tough loss, the Marauders are very excited losing just two times this season, heading into the playoffs with the number two seed in section playoffs. They play the 15 seed Gregori Jaguars on Nov. 15 at home.