Graceville racks up 18 points in return to the gridiron

The Graceville Tigers gave new meaning to “starting fresh” Friday night. After a two-year absence from the football field, the Tigers finally returned to action, taking on the Wewa Gators in their season opener.

It has been a long road back for Graceville, whose program has faced challenges that kept them sidelined since 2022. Their last full season saw a winless 0-7 mark, following a 1-9 record in 2021. The Tigers’ last winning campaign came in 2019, when they went 8-4. With history behind them and a renewed sense of pride, Friday’s game was more than just another contest, it was a chance to reignite football in Graceville.

The scoreboard showed a 54-18 final in favor of Wewa, but for the Tigers, there were plenty of bright spots. Graceville broke through with three touchdowns on the night, reminding fans that their offense is alive and well. Avontae Bowden led the way, crossing the goal line twice, while Antwan Johnson added a touchdown of his own.

Though still working to regain their footing, the Tigers’ resilience and determination were evident from the opening kickoff.

Graceville will have little time to rest before their next challenge, a Thursday night matchup on the road against Houston County in Columbia, Alabama. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.