HORN LAKE — Horn Lake High School sophomore Tyler Grim woke up Friday morning without a date for the school’s Homecoming dance.
Most likely, that worked itself out by the time the day ended.
Grim made the most of his first career start, rushing for 283 yards and scoring five touchdowns to help Horn Lake stun Columbus 44-35 in a Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A, Region 1 game.
“I had no Homecoming plans,” said Grim, who had 40 carries. “I am kind of in a daze right now (because of this game). I didn’t know how tonight was going to go, I was just going to give it my best. Maybe, I need to show up now.”
Columbus will be happy to see Grim anywhere he isn’t in uniform.
Peyton Logan is considered one of the state’s leading rushers. As a junior, Logan ran for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also been chosen for this year’s Bernard Blackwell All-Star Game. Logan was injured in Horn Lake’s last game — a 41-10 region victory against DeSoto Central.
The injury opened the door for the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Grim. Coach Brad Boyette beamed when asked about his emerging standout.
“That is called stepping up,” Boyette said. “Peyton has really taken Tyler in this year and helped him become a great back. The relationship they have is great. We knew this was a big opportunity for Tyler, and he really took advantage of it. His work ethic is unmatched for a sophomore. He is taking this all in.”
As the final seconds ticked off, two Horn Lake offensive lineman high fived and said “the curse is finally over.”
When asked, three players couldn’t recount the last time Horn Lake had won a Homecoming game, but each one indicated it had been several seasons. After the game, several fans poured onto the field and more than one took a photo of the scoreboard.
Horn Lake last had a winning season in 2011. The program hasn’t made the playoffs in more than 10 years.
“Easily, the biggest win since I have been here,” said Boyette, who took over in 2012. “It’s emotional when you see group of guys work this hard. Each week, we are still doubted by people but they show up, come to work and work hard.”
Horn Lake improved to 7-1 and 2-1 in region play, while Columbus fell to 3-4 and 1-2. The Falcons lost on the road for the first time this season. Coach Randal Montgomery declined to comment after the game. The Falcons appeared dazed as they exited a somber locker room.
Columbus built a 28-17 lead midway through the third quarter. It had been an uphill battle to take that lead on what clearly wasn’t the squad’s best night. Horn Lake cut into the deficit thanks to a five-play, 56-yard drive. Grim capped the drive with a 16-yard run. After a three-and-out, Horn Lake went back to the ground for a nine-play, 53-yard march. Grim punctuated the drive with a 4-yard run.
Columbus answered with Kylin’s Hill second touchdown for a 35-31 lead.
Horn Lake then exposed Columbus’ secondary for a 36-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Raydarius Jones to junior Kyvontae Boykins.
With his team leading 38-35, Grim carried on eight of the nine plays to help put the game away.
“The offensive line was incredible,” Grim said. “Nothing in football is easy, but they made it easy.”
“We beat one of the best teams in the state tonight, so we know now what we can do.”
Horn Lake started nine sophomores on offense and finished with 392 yards of offense. When you take Grim out, the rest of the squad had 12 rushes for 3 yards. Jones completed four passes for 106 yards.
“I am so proud of (Grim),” Logan said. “I told him before the game to ball out and make a name for himself. He did that.”
Throughout last season, Columbus made its breaks. The Falcons did it again Friday night.
Columbus grabbed a 13-10 lead when Travion Lucious blocked a punt and Quintrell Lyons recovered it for a touchdown. Another Horn Lake drive was thwarted in the Columbus red zone when Patrick Weatherspoon detained Jones long enough for a strip by Chris Blair and fumble recovery by Devon King.
King was everywhere, breaking up two passes, making a tackle for loss, and blocking an extra point. Derrick Beckom had four tackles for loss.
However, the good moments came with the bad. Columbus was penalized for offsides on defense on third or fourth three times. The Falcons also had a critical facemask penalty when another drive appear halted.
On this night, Horn Lake needed little help, especially with Grim having a breakout performance.
“I am just glad I was able to step up and help team out,” Grim said. “We have some really big plans this season. When your number is called, you have to perform. We were disappointed in the South Panola game (a 7-0 loss). After that, we just really wanted to make up for it and show people that we can play.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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