Gallery by Zoe Peterson and Julie Alpaugh.
By OLIVIA RIPPS – Sports Editor
Clarke Central High School defeated Cedar Shoals High School 38-12 on Sept. 23 in the 50th annual Classic City Championship.
Clarke Central High School and Cedar Shoals High School met on Sept. 23 for the 50th annual Classic City Championship. CCHS came out of the game with a victory of 38-12 over CSHS improving their record to 3-2. Head football coach David Perno is pleased with the outcome of the game.
“I am just proud of our seniors,” Perno said. “You just want to send them out right and we were able to do that. And to make it nine (straight wins over Cedar) in a row. That is a pretty great feat. And of course Leroy (Ryals) was probably on a few of those so he can enjoy that too,” Perno said.
The first points were scored by CSHS as freshman Jaiden Williams put up the first touchdown in two years against the Gladiators. The Jaguars missed their field goal which made the score 6-0 at the first quarter.
With 9:39 remaining in the half, CCHS quarterback and junior Jack Mangel found senior Rico Arnold in the corner of the endzone to put up the first touchdown for the Gladiators. Junior William Downs’ PAT was good and made the score 7-6.
The score remained 7-6 until 3:29 remaining in the first half and CCHS junior running back NaDarrius Smith took one in from the five-yard line to bring the Gladiators up 14-6.
CCHS continued to lead CSHS. In the final minute, sophomore wide receiver JaQuaras Grant intercepted a Cedar Shoals throw and returned the ball to the Gladiator end zone bringing the score to 21-6 at halftime.
After a returning to the field, Downs had a successful 33 yard field goal making the score 24-6.
The Gladiators continued the streak when junior running back Jarvis Howell ran in from the one-yard line with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
CCHS scored their final touchdown when Mangel threw 33 yards to junior wide-receiver Trajan Pinkney who gave the Gladiators their final touchdown of the game.
Cedar Shoals earned their final points with over three minutes remaining in the game when senior wide receiver QuinJarvis Hall closed the game with a final score of 38-12.
Cedar Shoals junior defensive end Cedric Rucker says the team could have played better, but believes they still have a chance.
“I think we left a lot out on the line,” Rucker said. “I never want to say I feel like we were intimidated a little by the hype but I mean this means nothing. We are still going to win region; you tell them that.”
