Clarke Central High School varsity running back Corey Watkins Jr., a junior, escapes Cedar Shoals High School running back Kayden Scott, a senior, during the 57th Classic City Championship at CSHS’ Water’s-Wilkins Stadium on Aug. 19. The game closed at 8:40 p.m. with a score of 28-7, a Gladiator win. “We started out slow on offense but we came back (and) got the win. That’s all that matters,” CCHS linebacker Alexander Leahy, a senior, said. Photo by Ciyana Ramos
The CCHS varsity football team walked away from the 57th Classic City Championship with a 28-7 win over Cedar Shoals High School on Aug. 19.
The Clarke Central High School varsity football team took home a 28-7 win against Cedar Shoals High School in the 57th Classic City Championship on Aug. 19.
The team traded touchdowns in the first half, before the Ggladiators regained their advantage with a second quarter touchdown. Leading 14-7 at halftime, CCHS pulled away in the second half with an 80-yard rushing touchdown from running back Corey Watkins Jr., a junior.
“We gotta come out harder. We got to keep our foot on the gas, keep our foot on (the) game. We got to score more, we gotta get more stops, we got to stop the turnovers,” Watkins Jr. said.
Up 14 points entering the fourth quarter, the Gladiators tacked on another touchdown before the game ended to seal the victory. In spite of the result, CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno saw errors made by the team that he feels could harm them in Region 8-AAAAA play.
“We gave up a couple of big plays,” Perno said. “I didn’t like that, and (we) still (committed) too many turnovers and penalties. So, we got a lot of work to do, but I like where we’re headed.”
“We gotta come out harder. We got to keep our foot on the gas, keep our foot on (the) game. We got to score more, we gotta get more stops, we got to stop the turnovers.”
— Corey Watkins Jr.,
CCHS varsity running back
Perno expects growth from the team before their next game against Oconee County High School on Aug. 25 at CCHS.
“I’m not saying Cedar’s not a good team, but we were able to match ’em in turnovers (in) the second half and that allowed us to stretch (our lead),” Perno said. “We got a short week to get ready for Oconee and we need that one.”
While Watkins Jr. was satisfied with the win, he felt it didn’t compare to the 40-0 shutout against the Jaguars last year.
“It (ain’t) supposed to be this close with (Cedar). We’re supposed to blow them out, but a win is a win,” Watkins Jr. said. “I know y’all saw what Kendrick Curry said, ‘It’s a great day to be a Gladiator.’”
