BANTAMS• Slippery Rock 8, Grove City 6 — The Little Eagles closed out their regular season with a tightly-contested matchup against the Rockets.
Zane Laribo powered the GC offense with 61 rushing yards and the team’s lone touchdown. Tanner Culmer added 25 yards on the ground, while Cooper Felton and Colton Kauffman chipped in with 12 and six rushing yards, respectively, helping move the chains throughout the game.
The Eagles’ defense put together a strong effort, keeping the Rockets under constant pressure. Finn Stack led the way with eight tackles while Lincoln Wise recorded six tackles and two sacks. Enzo Shirey made his presence known with three tackles and three sacks, and Cooper Felton added four tackles and a sack. Tanner Culmer contributed two tackles and two sacks with Beckett Taylor adding four key tackles.
Despite the narrow loss, the Bantams showed resilience and teamwork to finish out the regular season strong.
Slippery Rock did not report stats on any of the three games.
JUNIORS• Grove City 28, Slippery Rock 22 (2OT) — The Little Eagles closed out their regular season in relentless fashion, defeating Slippery Rock in a suspenseful double-overtime battle. The victory secured an undefeated regular season for the Eagles and earned them a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their postseason will kick off at home on Oct. 18 at Forker Field.
The offense came alive behind an incredible performance from Denton Culmer, who dominated on both sides of the ball. Culmer racked up 164 rushing yards, one touchdown, and two crucial two-point conversions, powering the Eagles’ offense and setting the tone all game long. Easton Lutz was another standout, contributing 117 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and explosive playmaking ability.
Ryan Lemmon guided the offense with 77 passing yards, 27 rushing yards, and the game-winning touchdown in double-overtime, sealing the Eagles’ undefeated season.
Defensively, the Juniors displayed grit and discipline when it mattered most. Culmer led the charge with 13 tackles, while Lutz added 12 tackles and a sack. Brooks Felton posted eight tackles and a sack, Landon Wise tallied five tackles and a sack, and Levi Laribo contributed three tackles and two sacks. Jacob Smoker and Luek James each added three key tackles to round out the effort.
The Grove City Little Eagles Juniors showcased heart, resilience, and championship-level teamwork — a perfect end to their regular season as they look ahead to their home playoff debut at Forker Field.
SENIORS• Slippery Rock 28, Grove City 8 — The Little Eagles Seniors wrapped up their regular season with a tough loss to the Rockets. While the defeat brought their season to a close, the Seniors played with heart and determination until the final whistle, showcasing their growth and teamwork throughout the year.
Offensively, Jason Lemmon turned in an impressive all-around performance, throwing for 96 yards, adding 44 receiving yards, and rushing for 14 yards. Easton Cook made a major impact through the air with 58 receiving yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Asher Adams contributed on multiple fronts with 44 passing yards, 26 receiving yards, and nine rushing yards while Lincoln Badger added six receiving yards and three rushing yards. Levi Wise also chipped in with six passing yards to round out the attack.
The defense battled throughout the game, led by Lake Thompson’s eight tackles and two sacks. Jason Lemmon added six tackles, two sacks, and an interception, continuing his strong two-way play. Austin Felton, Matt Jennings, and Levi Wise each tallied five tackles with Felton recording a sack. Lincoln Badger added four tackles and a sack while Colin Flick made his presence known with three sacks. James Kane and Jackson Alger each contributed three tackles with Alger also adding a sack.
Though the season didn’t end with a playoff run, the Grove City Little Eagles Seniors demonstrated grit, leadership, and perseverance — qualities that will carry them forward as they look ahead to future seasons.