MADISON TOWNSHIP — Lucas running back Jeb Grover had some explaining to do after the top-seeded Cubs’ 42-0 win over No. 8 Hannibal River in a Division VII, Region 27 quarterfinal game at Madison’s STARTEK Stadium on Saturday.
A senior and the program’s career rushing leader, Grover rumbled for a jaw-dropping 209 yards and four touchdowns on just five first-half carries.
So what happened on the one run that didn’t result in a score?
“I wasn’t warmed up yet,” Grover joked.
It didn’t take long for Grover to heat up the artificial surface at STARTEK Stadium — the game was moved to Madison because Lucas’ field was unplayable. His second carry of the night went for a 14 yard touchdown. On River’s ensuing possession, Grover intercepted a third-down pass and raced 43 yards for a score. His next three carries resulted in TD runs of 73, 80 and 25 yards.
By the time the dust had settled, Lucas (9-2) led 36-0 at the half.
“After getting to play on turf last week (in a 21-14 win at Lima Central Catholic), he was chomping at the bit to get back on turf,” Lucas coach Scott Spitler said of Grover, who became just the 28th player in state history to top 6,000 career yards. “He might have been one of them that was happy that it got moved over here because, well, you saw.
“He’s a special player, but he’ll be the first one to tell you he can’t do it without those guys up front.”
The Cubs beat River (5-6) 62-6 two weeks ago at Bob Wine Field in Lucas. Playing the same team a second time in three weeks was a cause for concern this week.
“Each team is so familiar with each other,” Spitler said. “We’ve got no surprises. They’ve got no surprises.
“It makes it tough.”
Grover agreed.
“It’s definitely scary because (the last meeting) was so fresh,” Grover said. “I was nervous even though we beat them up pretty good. You just never know.”
Lucas will play No. 4 seed Waterford next Saturday at a site to be determined. Waterford beat No. 5 Berne Union 34-14.
The Cubs lost first-round playoff games in 2016 (21-19 at Arlington) and 2017 (20-19 to Arlington at home).
“Both games I think we should have won,” Grover said. “To end a season like that, knowing that you were talented enough to go further, definitely hurts.
“I’m glad to escape the first round this year. Now it’s just going 1-0 every week and keep on climbing the ladder.”
