By MADISON JASIULEVICIUS – Sports Editor
Classic City rivals, Cedar Shoals High School and Clarke Central High School met for the 45th time on Aug. 26 at CCHS’ Billy Henderson Stadium.
Number 24 Quenshaun Watson dives for a touchdown early in the Clarke Central vs. Cedar Shoals Football game in Billy Henderson Stadium. Photo/Carlo Nasisse.
The game began with the Jaguars on offense. The Gladiator defense held back the offensive line for two plays until a low throw from CSHS quarter back Darius Jordan was intercepted by CCHS Dreko Statham. The ball was rushed 20 yards for a first down at the 38-yard line and kept momentum as CCHS sophomore quarterback Cameron Johnson threw to Williams, who ran the ball 22-yards for a Gladiator touchdown. The extra point was missed, the Gladiators gained the advantage 6-0 with 11:02 left in the first quarter.
The Jaguars bounced back from the six-point disadvantage, taking five plays to get down to the Gladiator 16-yard line. A quick run from CSHS sophomore running back Adrian Washington advanced the Jaguars to first and goal, allowing Jordan a rushing touch down. The extra point was awarded by CSHS junior kicker Zach Huberty. This put the Jaguars in the lead, 6-7.
The Gladiator offense worked down into Jaguar territory. On second down, a holding penalty was called against the Glads, pushing them back to the Jaguar 40-yard line. A break through run from CCHS senior running back Quenshaun Watson gained the Gladiators ten yards and a first down. After a CCHS timeout, the Gladiator offensive line tightened up and barreled through the Jaguar defense. Pitched from Johnson, Watson ran in the ball for a three yard touchdown. The extra point was awarded, making the score 13-7, Gladiators.
On the first play of the second quarter, the Gladiators erupted off the field. Watson ran a 30-yard touchdown and the extra point was gained by CCHS senior punter and kicker Noah Welch, giving the Gladiators a 13-point lead.
During the next CSHS procession, Jordan pushed two plays into Gladiator territory, but lost the ball during a fumble. Swift on his feet, CCHS senior Dawun Billups recovered and rushed the ball to the Jaguar 39-yard-line. Immediately following, Watson ran 30 yards for a touchdown. Welch gained the extra point, allowing gladiators to maintain comfortable lead, 27-7.
With 11:02 left in the half, the Jaguars were forced once more to punt after a four play drive. The gladiators regained possession at the 28-yardline and Williams ran in the ball for another CCHS touchdown. The conversion was no good, leaving the gladiators, 33- 7.
The Jaguars showed their teeth at the start of the second half, completing an onside kick at the 49-and-half yard line in Gladiator territory. Washington threw to CSHS Quentin Hall, a reverse play gaining 14-yards. The Jaguars muscled through the Gladiator defense, and on the third play a quick handoff delivered from Jordan rewarded the Jaguars first and goal. They completed a touchdown with 10:42 left in the quarter, making the score 36-13, Gladiators.
Gladiators regained control after a short-lived Jaguar drive. CCHS junior running back Jalani Payne gained momentum carrying first a 15-yard run, and was immediately followed by a 30-yard run breaking into Jaguar territory and gaining a first down on the
24-yard line. Johnson followed up with a toss to senior Torey Gartrell who ran the ball for a 25-yard touchdown.
On the thirteenth play, Watson snapped away from the Jaguar defense and made a 47-yard touchdown. The conversion was good, leaving the final score 43-13, Gladiators.
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