LE GRAND – Billy Marr never saw the rush.

The Ripon Christian quarterback had the ball jarred loose on an all-out blitz by Jose Gonzalez, deflating any chance of a come-from-behind victory on Friday evening. Maurisio Ramirez covered up the fumble, securing Le Grand’s 15-14 victory.

In this battle of Southern League giants, neither gave ground to the other.

Marr had touchdown passes of 10 and 31 yards in the first half as Ripon Christian (1-1, 4-1) built a 14-8 lead.

Le Grand (2-0, 3-2) would counter with running back Carlos Iniquez, who rushed for 177 yards on 19 carries. He scored both the Bulldogs’ touchdowns, including the eventual game-winning score on a 19-yard burst.

Iniquez left the game in the third quarter, though, swinging the door open for the Knights.

The Knights began their final drive at their own 1-yard line after a defensive stand with 6:11 left prevented Le Grand from padding its lead.

Marr moved the team down the field, but the drive bottomed-out at the 45 with under two minutes left. With his eyes cast down field, Marr never saw Gonzalez blitzing off the right edge.

Marr finished with 225 yards on 19-of-29 passing. Brian Sytsma had six catches for 59 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Jared Stuit finished with 52 yards and a touchdown.