Prep football: Grant gets better of Merced

SACRAMENTO -- Even with five starters on the sideline, Merced felt like it could go in to Sacramento and challenge Grant.

The Bears did just that on Friday night, taking an early lead before finally falling 17-3 on the road.

Merced (2-3) drove down the field in its opening possession, but stalled inside the 10-yard line because of penalties.

The Bears had to settle for a Robert Stowe 34-yard field goal, taking a 3-0 lead.

It remained that way until the second quarter when Shaq Thompson punched in a 1-yard touchdown run.

Charlie Vue tacked on a 33-yard field goal for Grant (3-2) in the second quarter.

The game remained 10-7 until Marquise Carter broke it open with a 20-yard touchdown run late in the third.

Merced's offense had no answer.

The Bears struggled to run the ball all game and Grant's combination of size, speed and constant blitzing didn't allow the Bears to ever find a rhythm.

"Our guys did a great job on defense," Merced head coach Rob Scheidt said. "They scored the first touchdown off of an interception return inside the 10-yard line.

"And then the opened the second half off with kickoff return to our 20 and we managed to hold them to three.

"Our guys turned in a great effort, we unfortunately just couldn't get it done."