Football Recap: Blaike Jackson Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Westland

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Previous 5 Games

08/29/25 - Home	45-41 W
08/30/24 - Away	38-28 W
10/20/23 - Away	67-13 W
10/21/22 - Home	48-7 W
10/22/21 - Away	21-12 W

Grove City won the last time they faced Westland and things went their way on Friday too. The Greyhounds snuck past the Cougars with a 45-41 win. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Greyhounds' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Ohio football rankings (they are ranked 70th, while the Cougars are ranked 276th).

Grove City's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Blaike Jackson led the charge by rushing for 250 yards and two TDs, while also picking up 71 receiving yards and one touchdown. Carson Welsh was another key signal caller, throwing for 224 yards and a pair of TDs.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Grove City was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 321 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since the start of last season.

Special teams also deserves some recognition, posting 15 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Owen Steele, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.

Grove City has started the season off flawlessly and has a 2-0 record to show for it. Those victories came thanks in part to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 43.5 points this season. As for Westland, their loss dropped their record down to 1-1.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Grove City will host Hilliard Bradley at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Westland, they will welcome Central Crossing at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.