CCHS falls to Marist 30-13 in regular season opener

By KEVIN MOBLEY – Guest Writer

The Clarke Central High School Gladiators lost to Marist 30-13 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

A Marist running back escapes a tackle by two Clarke Central High School defenders. Photo by Porter McLeod.

Marist’s veer option attack led to 271 total rushing yards, more than doubling that of what CCHS accounted. That option style was a force that dictated the tempo of the entire game.

CCHS’s offense was consistent throughout the majority of the game, but turnovers and two failed fourth down conversions plagued their ability to keep up with the amount of points that Marist accumulated.

Going into the game, many eyes were on Marist tight end Greg Taboada. While he had no offensive impact, Taboada was one of the leaders for Marist on defense with three tackles, two of which were for loss.

Despite their loss, CCHS had individuals who performed well on both sides of the ball. Cornerback Dreko Statham , for example, had five tackles, one for loss, a touchdown-saving pass breakup and many other outstanding plays.

Another solid effort was from running back Rodney Willingham. Willingham gained 105 yards on the ground on 11 carries, with three runs of 20 yards or more.

Wide receiver Jaquan Dowdy scored the only two touchdowns for CCHS and had four catches for 58 yards. Dowdy stepped in for star receiver Amir Williams – recently named to the Athens Banner-Herald’s “Terrific 10” – who was out this game due to a collar bone injury. Williams will also sit out the next few games.

Quarterback Myles Willis and scat back Gray King were key players on the War Eagle offense. Willis controlled the offense with his decision making in read option scenarios, and was the captain of long, methodical drives by the Marist offense. King set up Marist’s first score with a 44-yard bomb down to the one yard line. King also had two interceptions on defense, one of which he returned 58 yards.

This was CCHS’s first regular-season game in an AAAAA classification in region eight. Next week, the Gladiators will travel to Central Gwinnet High School, who, after playing a non-region game against Colllins Hill High School, is coming off of a 75-25 win.

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