CCMS 8th graders improve to 3-0
The Clear Creek Bobcats improved to 3-0 with another dominating performance.
CCMS made its way to Union County last Tuesday to continue its league football schedule against the Panthers, and all of the points came in the first half.
While the Bobcat defense did have a busted assignment that resulted in a Panther score, they did not give up much ground otherwise. CCMS took advantage of a pair of Union turnovers in the second half, and its offense drained the clock for a 16-6 win.
“Both teams played really tough,” said head coach Willie Dodaro. “We should have executed better, we had some guys who were banged up, and it was a hard-fought situation. Going up to Union is never easy to have it come out in your favor.”
UCMS only fields one team, and the game was counted as an eighth-grade victory for the Cats.
“We’ve been working hard, our effort is there and we’re really proud of what our kids are giving us. The execution just needs to be more crisp on offense. Once we’re able to peak, hopefully it will be at the right time,” said Dodaro.
“Defensively, we’re doing pretty good. We’re playing well on the line of scrimmage and have been real physical getting to the football. Our offense and defensive coaches put in a heck of an effort every week.”
Union’s shotgun offense achieved a first down to start the game before punting to the Cats. CCMS put UCMS in an eight-point hole on its opening series. Clear Creek fullback Madden Hopkins, halfback Ryan Rellinger and quarterback A.J. Callihan swapped carries for a fist down before it was time to go to the air.
Callihan completed a short pass to Hopkins, who made his way down the sideline for a 28-yard pickup and first down to Union’s 26. Two plays later, a 13-yard gain by halfback McCoy Sutton gave CCMS first and goal from the 8.
Rellinger then rushed for 7 yards before Hopkins scored from a yard away on the ninth play of the 72-yard drive. Callihan passed to Sutton for the conversion and an 8-0 lead.
Union answered with its lone touchdown of the game. The Panthers needed just five plays to move 58 yards, and they put six points on the board with a 31-yard quarterback keeper. CCMS led by two after the failed conversion.
The Cats’ offense continued to cause issues for the Panthers. After runs by Rellinger and Sutton for 4 yards apiece, it was Hopkins’ turn. Following a 7 yard run, he broke loose for a 49-yard touchdown through the middle of Unions’ defense.
The four-play, 64-yard possession gave CCMS a 16-6 lead early in the second quarter following Hopkins’ conversion.
Union gained two first downs on its next drive but Clear Creek’s defense held strong. CCMS fumbled on its last series of the half, and time quickly ran out when UCMS briefly regained possession.
The Cats put a six-play drive together to start the third quarter, and it ended when Callihan was sacked at midfield on fourth down.
The Panthers were unable to take advantage of prime field position. Facing fourth down and 5 from the Cats’ 15, their pass into the end zone was intercepted by Rellinger, who returned it out to Clear Creek’s 28.
CCMS was forced to punt and Union’s offense was on the field at its 27. A sack by Bobcat #15 killed the drive, and Union punted to CCMS.
While the Cats did not score, their 12-play drive took up most of the fourth quarter. Rellinger had a 41-yard run on the possession where he made his way right before cutting back across the field. The drive eventually stalled at Union’s 10.
The second play of the Panthers’ drive resulted in a fumbled snap. Hopkins was there for the recovery to cement Clear Creek’s win.
The Bobcats host Dawson County today at 5 p.m.