Jackets overwhelm Adairsville for subregion win
Calhoun quarterback duo, defense lead way in home rivalry victory
Calhoun has utilized a two-quarterback system over the last several weeks with senior Baylon Spector and sophomore Gavin Gray both taking their share of snaps. Adairsville got to see that strategy on full display on Friday night at Phil Reeve Stadium.
Both Jackets signal-callers made their share of impact plays through the air and on the ground as the combo led the way to a 29-3 win over the rival Tigers in a Region 6-AAA South subregion showdown.
Spector had a huge night in the rushing game leading Calhoun (5-2, 2-0 subregion) with 142 yards on 12 carries and two TDs. Gray made his mark in the passing game with 158 yards and one touchdown on 14-of19 throws, including completing his last 13 passes and all 11 in the second half.
Calhoun coach Hal Lamb said he believes using both quarterbacks’ strengths puts his team in the best situation to win.
“We’ve got the best of both worlds with those two guys,” said Lamb. “Baylon is a really good athlete with the ball in his hands, and Gavin makes plays when he’s in there too. We’ve been using them both, and it’s working fairly well. If we would’ve done a better job catching it tonight, it could’ve been an even bigger score, but I’m pleased with how we played overall.”
After leading 22-3 at the half, Calhoun’s defense clamped down in the final two quarters to not allow another point while the Jackets added a score for insurance when Zach Fuller scampered 14 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter. Fuller finished with 56 yards on 10 carries and four catches for 48 yards.
Adairsville’s best scoring opportunity in the second half ended with Calhoun blocking a 50-yard field goal attempt.
The Calhoun defense gave up 249 total yards but came up with some big stops once the Tigers pushed the ball onto their side of the field.
“I can’t say enough about our defense tonight,” said Lamb. “To hold Adairsville to three points says a lot about how well they played. I thought the defense played very well and were well prepared. Adairsville’s schemes can cause problems, but our guys were ready to play tonight.”
Adairsville quarterback Roger Redd threw for 130 yards on 14-of-26 passing with an interception, and Christian Steele was the Tigers’ leading gainer on the ground with 51 yards on 11 carries.
The Jackets took the lead immediately in the game as they took the opening drive and went 73 yards in three plays, punching in a touchdown on a 59-yard run by Spector. Spector added his second TD of the first half early in the second quarter on a nine-yard rumble into the end zone. That score made it 16-0. (Juan Palmerin made it 10-0 with a 42-yard field goal on the previous drive in the first quarter.)
Adairsville (2-4, 0-1) showed some life midway through the second quarter as they put their first points on the scoreboard on a 47-yard field goal by Josh Honea. The score was set up by the Tigers blocking a Calhoun punt and taking over at the Jackets’ 36.
With Adairsville hanging around, Calhoun got a big turnover on an interception by Brannon Spector at the Tigers’ 41 to change momentum. That’s when Gray struck a few plays later for a 30-yard TD pass to Bryson Davis to make it 22-3 at the half following an Adairsville kneel-down.
“That was big interception by Brannon and then a beautiful throw and catch by Gavin and Bryson,” said Lamb.
“We felt like we had the deep ball tonight if we just made the play, and that one was certainly a big play in the game.”
Calhoun is off next Friday before visiting rival Sonoraville in a big subregion showdown on Oct. 21; Adairsville hosts Sonoraville next Friday night.
“We need a week off to rest up a little,” said Lamb. “It’s Fall Break for the kids so we can focus just on football for the week and get ready for Sonoraville after the open week.”
Calhoun has now defeated Adairsville 12 straight times to take an 18-9 advantage in the all-time series.