Granier’s first start for Tigers a rocky one

Thibodaux High knew eventually the day would come when they’d have to take the field without the state’s best athlete. They just didn’t expect it would be so soon.

The Tigers suffered a greater loss than the 14-12 upset in their Oct. 2 game against South Terrebonne. Quarterback Trovon Reed – named the nation’s 40th best recruit by Rivals.com – suffered an apparent knee injury in the first quarter.

Medical tests reveal Reed has a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his right knee, which will keep him off the field between two to four weeks, according to head coach Dennis Lorio.

Backup quarterback Trent Granier led the Tigers Friday in their 20-15 loss to the Central Lafourche Trojans.

In his first start, Granier had one touchdown throw.

Until Reed’s return, Granier is happy to gain valuable playing time.

“We lost a real good player,” the junior said. “I just have to do what I have to do. It’s my job to help the offense score points. We’re going to be all right; it’s still a long season.

“We just have to play like we’ve been playing,” Granier added.

Despite Reed’s temporary absence on the field, Lorio is confident in his Granier’s ability.

“We’re not going to ask Trent to win the game by himself,” the coach said. “We’re going to work hard to get his game improved and have a good passing game threat. We just want to rely on the basics and improve what we’re doing.”

Lorio has confidence in Granier’s throwing ability. The junior hones his aim during the offseason as catcher of the Tigers’ baseball team.

“Trent has a good grasp on what we are doing,” Lorio said. “There are some things that he does very well in the passing game. He’ll get some experience against tough defenses, which will benefit him next year.”

As the Tigers prepare for their Friday battle against the Assumption Mustangs, Granier is expected to take the snaps under center as he looks to keep the Tigers in the district race.

“The team has my back,” the quarterback said. “They’ve made it a point to rally around me. It’s no different. We’re only missing one player. We’re still going to do what we have to do on offense.”

With the District 8-5A race still wide open with four games left to play, Lorio said the load isn’t on Granier’s shoulders, but instead on the team. The coach is looking to his seniors to help maintain composure with or without Reed.

“We knew at the beginning that we were going to be involved in a lot of close hard-fought games and still have more to come,” Lorio said. “We’re going to be tested several more times. On one hand, that is going to give you an opportunity to do something great.

“We’re just focused on winning the next game,” he added. “The rest will fall into place.”