Calhoun has big night in rain-shortened win over Warriors
Within a few minutes of kickoff, the outcome of Friday’s CalhounGordon Central matchup was not in question. In fact, the bigger question was how big a number the Jackets were going to put on the board.
Calhoun scored early and routinely throughout the first half, building up a huge lead before coasting to a 54-0 win on Friday at Phil Reeve Stadium over cross- town adversary Gordon Central to open Region 6-AAA play for both teams. The game was called at the half due to heavy rain and lightning in the area.
“The coaches agreed it was the best thing for both teams and the players’ safety to call it at the half,” said Calhoun coach Hal Lamb. “We would’ve liked to play more, but due to the conditions, we decided it was best to call it.”
The Jackets (3-0, 10) scored on the opening kickoff as Baylon Spector took the return back 80 yards to the end zone for a preview of things to come.
From there, the Jackets went on to score on every other possession of the first half while racking up 264 total yards, 161 on the ground, and led 54-0 at the half. Scoring for the Jackets were Landon Rice on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Kaelan Riley, Malik Lawrence on a 31-yard TD pass from Riley, Jess Ralston on a six-yard run, Riley on a 10-yard run, and that was all in the first quarter.
In the second, Keenon Dixon scored on runs of one and 18 yards, and Gauge Giddens capped off the first-half scoring barrage with a 20-yard TD run.
Riley had a shortened, yet perfect night, completing 5-of-5 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns in just one quarter of action. From there, Baylon Spector and Brett Potts took the remaining snaps under center. Dixon ran for 61 yards to lead the charge on the ground for Calhoun, who had six different ball carriers.
Lamb said it was tough to call the game because some younger kids would’ve likely got to play in the second half for both teams, but his guys that did play in the first half did their job.
“When we made the announcement in the locker room, you could see some of the faces drop because the kids knew they were going to get a chance to play,” said Lamb. “They were disappointed, but we did what we thought was best for everyone.
“We wanted to play the starters in the first quarter and then look at the backups in the second. They went out and took care of business, and we were pleased with what we saw from both of those groups.”
Gordon Central ( 03, 0-1) was held to just 77 total yards as their best chance to score came just before the half as they drove into Calhoun territory before time expired. Martavius Harris threw for 72 yards on 5-of-18 passing as the leading gainer for the Warriors. Will Barrera had three catches for 30 yards, and Branson Towe had a 35-yard reception on the final drive.
The Jackets are on the road next week to continue 6-AAA play with a trip to North Murray; Gordon Central is back home to host Ringgold.
NOTE: The Jackets were without three key contributors on Friday night as running backs Olico Dennis (hamstring) and Bryson Bushong (ankle) along with linebacker Christian East (shoulder) missed the game with injury. Lamb said all three should return within the next couple weeks as the injuries weren’t very serious.