The Merkel Badgers came painfully close to their first win of the season, ultimately falling to the Grape Creek Eagles 14-12. Despite the outcome, the Badgers showed resilience, narrowing the margin in what became their closest contest of the season.
Merkel’s offense was powered by standout performances from Kaden Blubaugh and Cj Walcott, each contributing a touchdown. Blubaugh led the team with 86 receiving yards, while Walcott added 60 yards and displayed impressive two-way play. Walcott shone defensively with 13 tackles and a forced fumble, a highlight for a defense that forced two fumbles overall. Brighton Stewart contributed to the defensive push, setting a season-high 10 tackles and forcing a turnover.
The defeat drops Merkel to 0-9, while Grape Creek concludes their season at 4-6, snapping a four-game road losing streak. Merkel now prepares to face Coahoma next Friday, a team riding a three-game home winning streak, having just beat Standon 57-40. Stopping Coahoma’s momentum will be a tough challenge for the Badgers as they search for that elusive first win.
