Bears bounce back in a big way, defeat Lithia Springs 36-21 | Friday Night Lights

GRIFFIN — After having two weeks to think about its first loss of the season, Griffin returned to the field and responded exactly how head coach Bernard Goodrum wanted.

Thursday night, the Bears defeated Lithia Springs 36-21, improving to 4-1 overall and, more importantly, opening region play with a 1-0 record.

The start of the game was pushed back after Lithia Springs arrived late, but once the action began, the Lions wasted little time striking first. Lithia Springs scored on its opening possession to grab an early 7-0 advantage.

Griffin immediately answered.

Quarterback Kelvin Johnson connected with Ayden Santana for a 35-yard touchdown pass on the Bears’ ensuing possession, tying the game at 7-7 heading into the second quarter.

Johnson continued making plays with his legs in the second period, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run with 8:32 remaining to help Griffin take control.

The Bears also made their presence felt on special teams when Delreon Cleveland broke through the Lithia Springs protection and blocked a punt. Griffin was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, however, as the offense turned the ball over without putting additional points on the board.

Griffin later added a 47-yard field goal before halftime as the Bears continued building momentum.

The ground game helped Griffin pull away after the break.

Chris Walker found the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown run, while Johnson added another rushing score from 5 yards out for his third touchdown of the night. The score extended Griffin’s advantage to 29-13 with 8:30 remaining in the quarter.

Darius Griggs finished Griffin’s scoring with a 7-yard touchdown run as the Bears secured their fourth victory in five games.

For Goodrum, the biggest takeaway wasn’t simply getting another victory. It was beginning the region schedule successfully after Griffin had to sit through a bye week following its first loss of the year.

“1-0 in the region is the most important thing,” Goodrum said. “We’re in the second part of our season, most important part. Region games are tough. That was a really good Lithia Springs team. Coach Armstrong does a great job with those guys.”

Lithia Springs entered the matchup 3-1, giving Griffin an early test in region competition.

“For us, it was really big just bouncing back,” Goodrum said. “We had to kind of sit in that loss for a little bit, but it was really good for us to come out and get a big win tonight.”

One of the biggest positives for Griffin was its rushing attack. With Caden Ellis unavailable, the Bears received contributions from several players.

Goodrum credited Griffin’s offensive line and coaching staff for creating opportunities on the ground.

“Our offensive line is outstanding,” Goodrum said. “It was good for Chris to step up, good for Griggs to step up, and Delreon, man, showed he’s a Swiss Army knife at receiver.”

The Bears are also beginning to receive more production from their younger players as the season progresses.

Goodrum specifically pointed to Ayden Santana, Jamir Yarbrough, Ayden Ogletree and Gavin Hill among a young group that continues to earn significant playing time.

“They’re ready,” Goodrum said. “Santana caught a really big touchdown. Ayden Ogletree starting as well too. Gavin Hill has been starting the whole year. He’s doing a great job.”

Goodrum believes that young talent gives Griffin plenty of reason for optimism, but he stressed the importance of keeping the group together as the Bears move deeper into region play.

“We got a really good freshman group, really good young group,” Goodrum said. “I’m excited about this group, man. If we can stay together and really stay connected and not let the outside noise get to us, we got an opportunity to be special.”

For Griffin, the first objective of the most important portion of its schedule is complete.

Next, the Bears will face the Whitewater Wildcats in Griffin on Oct. 2.