Several Grant Union Prospectors get in on a tackle of a Union ball carrier.

One thing Grant Union head coach Jason Miller has wanted of his football team is a faster start to their game.

This week the team delivered just that — the Prospectors also claimed the Wapiti League champion title after a 48-18 blowout against the Union Bobcats.

Grant Union entered the game ranked No. 7 for OSAA 2A teams with a 4-3 record, while Union was ranked No. 12 with a 4-2 record.

After Grant Union scored on their first drive to the goal line, Prospector Duane Stokes intercepted Union’s pass on the Bobcats’ first possession.

Grant Union quarterback Wade Reimers connected with running back Zack Deiter for 30 yards, then Reimers pushed through several Union tackle attempts to score on a keeper.

Prospector defense shut down Union’s next run at the goal line, then Reimers scored again, to make it 20-0 going into the second quarter.

Union running back Tate Lantis scored the first touchdown for the visitors in the second.

On Grant Union’s next possession, Union received a personal foul penalty followed by an offsides penalty.

Reimers connected with Stokes on a 15-yard pass who ran 20 yards to punch it into the end zone.

Grant Union stumbled a bit, losing the ball on a fumble, then the Prospector defense made a quick turnaround; however, Grant Union lost the ball again to an interception.

Again, the Prospector defense made a push back and on their next possession, then Reimers blazed half the field to the 5-yard line, scoring on a keeper on the next play.

Grant Union led 32-6 at the half.

Highlights from the third include Reimers scoring on a 70-yard keeper, and although the Prospectors were pushed back 20 yards on a couple penalties, Reimers connected with Cauy Weaver for the two-point conversion.

Each team found the end zone again to end the game.

Deiter scored with Cameron Hallgarth gaining the two-point conversion for Grant Union, and Union’s Cole Baxter also scored a touchdown.

“It was a great team effort,” Miller said. “The D line was much improved this game and held their ground. Linebackers played big.”

He added, “The offense was clicking. So much of what we do offensively depends on our quarterback’s decision. He made good decisions and got people in the right place to make plays.”

Miller said they’ll have details of next week’s first round state playoff game over the weekend.

“Our kids have done a great job of improving every week,” he said.

Deiter said he was happy with the night’s outcome and hopes for a home playoff game.

“All our hard work this year has paid off,” he said, adding, “I’m looking forward to next week.”