GRAFTON — Philip Barbour came alive in the second half to post a 23-0 win over Grafton Friday night in Big 10 Conference play at McKinney Field.

The game was scoreless at halftime but the Colts tallied 10 points in the third quarter on a field goal from freshman Ayden Thorne and a return for a score on a blocked punt.

After an interception by Robbie Jones, Malachi Poling hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from Jones to to give the Colts some breathing room.

They added a touchdown run to finish the scoring.

Friday’s contest was the first of four straight road games to begin the season for Philip Barbour.

The Colts will travel to Buckhannon-Upshur next Friday, then back-to-back games at North Marion and defending Class AAA state champion Bridgeport.

The home opener is set for Sept. 26 against Elkins — another playoff team from 2024.