The Springville Varsity Griffins pounded out a 12 - 6 victory over the Tonawanda Warriors on Friday night. The Griffins overcame a driving rainstorm, sloppy field conditions and a scrappy Tonawanda team to earn their first win of the season. Despite the weather, the Griffs were able to amass 253 yards on the ground. It was their second highest rushing total of the season and by far the most balanced attack.

The Griffs opened the game with a solid drive that stalled out on the Tonawanda 30-yard line but it set the tone for the rest of the game. The defense held strong on their first series and set up the offense for a huge drive. Derek Blumenstein and Chase Jackson had key third down runs early in the drive to put the pressure on the Warriors defense. Springville was faced with a fourth and 2 deep in Tonawanda territory and Jackson delivered an 8-yard gain to keep the drive alive. The first quarter ended with the Griffins knocking on the door of the goalline. Springville decided put a few extra pounds in the backfield and it paid off. Matt Porterfield made a nice block to pave the way for Chase Jackson’s 3-yard touchdown run that put the Griffs on top 6 – 0.

The Griffs defense again came up with a big stop. A Mike Reding sack on third down forced a punt that was mishandled by the kicker and the Griffs were able to take over inside the Warriors 20-yard line. Two critical penalties pushed Springville back and a fourth down completion to Jackson from Kevin Lutz came up inches short of the first down. Both teams continued to battle to a 6 – 0 halftime score.

Tonawanda came out in the third quarter and dominated the Griffins with two long drives. On their opening drive of the second half, the Warriors drove inside the Griffins 10-yard line. Springville came up with a few stops against the run and on fourth down Lutz had great coverage on a trick play to shut down the threat. After a quick 3 and out by Springville, Tonawanda took over and put together the game-tying drive that was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown run.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the game was knotted at 6. On the ensuing possession, Lutz had trouble with a snap and the Warriors recovered. Following a long run by the fullback Tonawanda was again set up to score. The Griffins defense held strong and forced a field goal that floated wide left, leaving the game tied.

What followed was most likely the best drive of the season by the Springville offense. The Griffs took the ball and drove 85 yards on 15 plays in classic fashion. Early on in the drive, Jackson scampered for 8 on a third down. Zach Beckerich followed with a 9-yard run. After another botched snap, Lutz ran for 12 yards on a third and 11 which may have been the play of the game. On the next play Blumenstein spun and side stepped his way for 8 more. Jackson ripped one for 15 yards and Shawn Barr barreled for 13 after that. These big runs set up a 4-yard touchdown plunge by Barr who returned to the lineup from injury and made a significant impact. The Griffins lead 12-6 with just over two minutes remaining in the game and they held on for the win.

The ground game had many contributors. Jackson led the way with 86 yards, Lutz had 54, Barr ripped off 50, Blumenstein 33 and Beckerich 30. Defensively, Barr led the way with 12 tackles, Jackson added 11 and Nate Wells recovered a fumble.

The Griffins (1-7) with play their season finale on Thursday night at Pop Warner Field against the Williamsville East Flames (3-5). Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with senior night festivities preceding the game.