GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -- In a pivotal game for both teams, Fruita Monument proved to be the better squad.

The Wildcats beat the Warriors 35-13 in the Southwestern League opener at Stocker Stadium on Friday.

Vince Grasso rushed for a pair of touchdowns while quarterback Zach Thorpe got one on the ground and one in the air. Zach Griggs accounted for the fifth touchdown - a 99-yard kick-off return to start the second half. Chris Gershon scored the game's first touchdown on a 36-yard pass from Thorpe.

Grasso finished with 131 yards on 20 carries. Thorpe was 10-20 through the air with 162 passing yards.

FMHS (2-3, 1-0) held Taylor Sanchez in check, not allowing a point in the first half. Sanchez ended up with 194 rushing yards on 30 carries. Central (1-4, 0-1) came back to make it 28-13, but the Wildcats halted things from there.