JOHN DAY – It’s been a year of big games for the Grant Union football team.

They opened the season with a 23-20 upset over Ontario at home, Sept. 5 and followed that up with an Oct. 3 win against Vale. The win against the Vikings was the Prospectors’ first win against Vale in 34 years. However, the Pros will now face an unexpected challenger in Umatilla at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at home.

Umatilla and Grant Union are both undefeated at 7-0 and have each had close games with last year’s Eastern Oregon League champion and state runner-up Vale. Grant Union beat Vale 12-7 while Umatilla ran the score up 42-39. The Pros are currently ranked second in the state, and Umatilla is sitting at No. 6.

Grant Union coach Monty Nash said he recognizes the importance of the game.

“We’re basically playing for the league championship,” Nash said. “It’ll be nice to be at home and have our people to support us. We just need to prepare and be ready to play. The key will be to continue to play strong defense. Umatilla is a good offensive team.”

Grant Union has played strong defense all season long. They are only allowing one touchdown a game on average, and have held two opponents scoreless.

One of the Pros’ shutouts came in their last game against Nyssa Oct. 17. They won the game 33-0.

Grant Union jumped out early on Nyssa and led 26-0 at halftime. Tyler Martin got the offense going with a five-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Jimmy Cook got the final touchdown of the first half, running into the end zone from 25 yards out. However, perhaps the most amusing play of the game was an interception by Cash Wenick that was run back 50 yards for a touchdown.

“Cash even juked the quarterback there at the end,” Nash said. “The kids all jumped on him afterwards. Even the officials were joking that he needed a break after that run.”

Austin Ranft hit Dalton Moore with an 18-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to finish the Pros’ scoring.

The Grant Union defense held Nyssa off late in the game despite several close attempts at the end zone.

Martin led the team with 103 yards rushing on nine carries. Dustin Lippert had four receptions for 56 yards and Dalton Moore had two for 25.