The Mesa Ridge Grizzlies survived a frenetic Mitchell comeback in the second half to escape with a 45-40 season-opening victory Saturday afternoon.

After both football teams opened scoring at Garry Berry Stadium with big plays, the Grizzlies were able to capitalize on Mitchell mistakes to take a 39-14 lead into halftime.

View photos from the game.

“We did some things that were uncharacteristic of us,” Marauders coach Archie Malloy said.  “What we need to work on is to show up offensively and defensively; we did a great job starting offensively then we went into a little lull.”

Mitchell (1-0) outscored Mesa Ridge 32-0 after trailing 14-7 with 9:32 left in the first quarter.

The Marauders (0-1) defense had a hard time against a balanced Grizzlies’ attack. Quarterback Jordan Robinson completed 13 of 14 passes with only one interception.

“It is a lot of help to take some pressure off,” Grizzlies coach Rob Braaten said of the passing game.  “It keeps safeties out of the game, it keeps corners out and even makes outside linebackers think twice.”

After the half, the Marauders made fewer errors and enjoyed a sporadic passing game that sparked the rally.

”The kids came out in the second half, played one play at a time, fought back and got back in the game,” Malloy said. “We just ran out of time.”

The Marauders scored on their final three possessions and returned an interception by defensive back Trey Anderson for a touchdown.

But the rally only served to make the end more exciting.

The Grizzlies generated enough of a running game, led by Phillip Rhodes’ 127 yards, to run out the clock.

“Anytime you come out on top you’re happy, even when it’s sloppy.” Braaten said  “We were pleased.”

The Marauders relied heavily on running back MonDarrius Benson and he delivered two touchdowns and more than 150 yards rushing in the first half, including 113 yards on his first two carries.

The Grizzlies’ defense was able to slow down Benson some in the second half and began their comeback. Benson finished with 184 yards on 19 carries.

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