Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Plagued by six turnovers and a limited roster, the Kosciusko Grizzlies lost their Federal Football League season opener 40-6 to Madison County (Anderson) Chiefs Saturday at Edgewood Middle School.
"They're a strong team, but we didn't need to give them their points," quarterback Joel Cygan, from Syracuse, said.
Cygan was picked off twice, and the Chiefs converted three of the miscues directly into points, including an interception return for a score in the fourth quarter.
Madison County dominated the game from start to finish with a swarming defense and quick-strike offense that scored on three of the team's first four possessions. Chiefs fullback Cody Baker scored three times on short runs.
With only 19 players in uniform because of injury and illness, many Grizzlies were forced to play both offense and defense.
"Madison County played really well," Grizzlies coach Armondo Vuitonet said. "Their quickness and size really hurt us."
Madison County is the defending Federal Football League champions, while the Grizzlies are in their first season.
"We found out we can play ball, but defensively we need to improve. The offense didn't look too bad, but we need to get the offense and defense to work together. We need to cut down on the mistakes, hold onto our momentum and our composure has got to be up."
The Grizzlies trailed 21-0 at halftime and 27-0 before reaching the end zone in the fourth quarter. Syracuse's Joel Cygan hit North Manchester's Mike Garcia on an 18-yard pass in the corner of the end zone.
Two Grizzlies' bright spots on defense were by Warsaw's Mylon Betts, who picked off a pass in the end zone, and Goshen's Owen Sommers, who recovered a fumble at the Grizzlies' 5-yard line.
The Grizzlies host the Shelby County Outlaws Saturday at Edgewood Middle School at 3 p.m. Admission is free.
