The High Country Grizzlies (2-1) scored before fans could settle in their seats, and didn’t look back as they set the bar for most lopsided victory and most points in a single game in NAL history, as they beat the Dayton Wolfpack (0-3) 94-6.
High Country stormed out to a quick 15-0 first quarter lead before an errant kickoff gave the Wolfpack good field position. Dayton couldn’t cash in, and when Malachi Jones found the end zone, High Country was up 22-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Dayton changed strategy and switched to a shotgun offense, but defensive lineman Chase Blackburn still got to the quarterback for a near sack. Complaints to the officials fell on deaf ears, and when Brandon “Fuego” Fuentes caught an errant pass near midfield, he dodged his way in to the end zone email for a pick-six and a 35-0 lead early in the second quarter. After another interception led to another Stephen Panasuk to Jones touchdown, the game was already over at 48-0.
Dayton, the most penalized team in the NAL, continued to unravel, and Panasuk and the Grizzlies took advantage. Panasuk, with time in the pocket, found Daron “Speedy” Clark who cut outside and ran the rest of the way for a 55-0 lead. Wanting more before the half, Jones answered the call yet again, scoring his third touchdown on the night. As the halftime siren sounded, Grizzlies fans were rejoicing a 62-0 lead. That’s right, 62-0.
The intermission didn’t stop High Country, as they started the third quarter with two more scores, including another pick-six.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the only intrigue that remained is if the Grizzlies would keep a shutout and if they could score 100 points. The Wolfpack spoiled the first part of the party, finally finding the end zone on a quick scoring drive with 4:08 left in the game, but the result was still secured at 81-6.
It only took three plays to answer, as Panasuk found Clark on a long touchdown pass to set a new NAL single-game record for points in a game at 88. Fuentes brought the scoring to an end with his third interception of the night, his second pick-six, and the team’s sixth interception overall, to bring the score to 94-6.
The Grizzlies will enjoy a longer week as they wait to take on the Jacksonville Sharks on Sunday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Inside the Arena 