Submitted by Kevin Cunningham/Clear Blue Skys studio photos
On Thursday September 19th Spencer Middle School travelled to Mt Zion to face the Red Devils. Calhoun was coming off a 38-0 win over Summersville just 3 days earlier and knew they would have a tough test during this game. Not only was Spencer a tough team, but playing a game with just 2 days of practice to prepare for a team and playing with that quick of a turnaround can be difficult.
The Yellowjackets jumped out to a 8-0 lead when they took a Calhoun turnover down to the 3 yard line and scored just a few plays later. After that score Calhouns defense tightened up and held the jackets. Late in the second quarter Teveor Mayle would carry the ball into the end zone on a 3 yard rushing touchdown to bring the score to 8-6. That is where the score would remain for the rest of the first half.
The Red Devils came out in the 2nd half and got the ball. They took 4 minutes off the clock when Ezra Anderson carried the ball in for a 6 yard touchdown run. Michael Richards added a 2 point conversion to make the score 14-8. The Red Devil defense would then come up strong for the rest of the 3rd quarter and hold the Yellow Jackets.
The Red Devils would get the ball back at the end of the 3rd quarter and maintain possession for the rest of that quarter and into the 4th quarter quarter. They had a good possession eating a lot of clock as the quarter wound down. With just a little over 2 minutes left in the game Calhoun faced a 4th down with 5 yards to go on the 35 yard line. Ezra Anderson got the ball and willed himself into the end zone breaking multiple tackles. Andersons second touchdown of the game gave Calhoun a 20-8 lead. For the Extra point Trevor Mayle lined up to kick an extra point. It has been several years since Calhouns Middle school had even attempted an extra point kick from everyone we have talked to about it. And Mayle’s kick was good to put the Red Devils up 21-5.
Spencer was then able to drive the ball down the field through the air. They had stayed on the ground all evening until this last drive. With just over 2 minutes left Spencer marched down the field and scored again to make the score 21-16 leaving just a little over 40 seconds on the clock. Everyone on the stadium knew what was coming as Spencer lined up for an onsides kick. Landon Hawkins was able to recover the clock. Trevor Mayle lined up in the victory formation and 3 kneel downs later the game was over with Calhoun winning 21-16 and moving their record to 2-1 on the season.
Next Thursday 9/26 Calhoun hope to carry the momentum of this 2 game win streak with them when they travel to Flatwood to take on the Braxton County Knights.
Stats
Offense- Rushing-
Ezra Anderson- 12 carries, 148 yards, 2 TD
Michael Richards- 8 carries, 27 yards, 1- 2 pt conv.
Sam Bailey- 4 carries, 10 yards
Trevor Mayle- 4 carries, 8 yards, 1 TD
Passing –
Trevor Mayle- 1/5, 4 yards
Receiving-
Ezra Anderson- 1 reception, 4 yards
Defense- Tackles-
Kyrian Mounts, Dayvon Mitchell- 6
Braydon Hardway, Michael Richards- 5
Ezra Anderson, Sam Bailey- 4
Trevor Mayle- 3
Jace Lemon, Landon Hawkins- 2
Cohen Blankenship, Caden Osborne, Matthew McGuire- 1
Sacks-
Cohen Blankenship- 1
Interception-
Michael Richards- 1
