Football Game Preview: Grant Community Bulldogs vs. Wauconda Bulldogs

Grant Community is 1-9 against Wauconda since October of 2016 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. Grant Community will host Wauconda at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Grant Community and Grayslake North meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Friday. The Bulldogs blew past the Knights 40-12. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 34-0.

Matthew Gipson was his usual excellent self, throwing for 234 yards and three TDs on only 13 passes, while also punching in a pair of touchdowns on the ground. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in rushing touchdowns (two). Tyler Zdon was another key player, rushing for 117 yards and one score on only ten carries.

Meanwhile, you're bound to get a positive result if you outscore your opponent every quarter and that's exactly how it played out for Wauconda on Friday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that they blew Round Lake out of the water with a 77-18 final score. The Bulldogs' victory was nothing new given the team hasn't lost yet this season.

Grant Community better keep an eye on Cole Korycanek. He was instrumental in Wauconda's win, rushing for 136 yards and three touchdowns on only six carries.

Wauconda was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 530 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 224 rushing yards in seven consecutive games dating back to last season.

Grant Community's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Wauconda, their victory bumped their record up to 5-0.

Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Grant Community has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 198.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Wauconda struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 417.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Grant Community suffered a grim 37-13 defeat to Wauconda when the teams last played back in September of 2024. Will Grant Community have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.