The eighth-grade Bobcats kept their undefeated season rolling with a rout of the Union County Panthers.
Clear Creek hosted Union last Wednesday to continue league play, and the Cats ran roughshod over the Panthers. CCMS had its offense in gear, and the defense took care of the rest. The Panthers broke a long run in the final minutes of the game for their lone points as the Bobcats won easily, 36-6.
“I was proud of how we came out and controlled the game,” said head coach Willie Dodaro. “We controlled the line of scrimmage and did pretty much what we needed to do on offense. Defense did an outstanding job, and a lot of kids got the opportunity to get in the game.
“We would have liked to get a shutout, but it is what it is. When we get the chance to put kids in the game, that’s a great opportunity too. We’ve got a lot of kids coming to practice and sometimes they don’t get a chance to get in the game.”
Clear Creek’s defense did not give up much ground all day, and the Cats forced three Union punts to begin the game. The Panthers’ fourth drive ended with a high shotgun snap, which was recovered by Bobcat Owen McCollum. Union’s final drive of the half concluded with an interception by Clear Creek’s Noah Rice.
Meanwhile, the Bobcat offense scored four straight touchdowns on just 15 plays. CCMS needed two plays for the game’s first points. Fullback Cal Morrison broke free on a dive play for an 80-yard touchdown.
The conversion failed, and the Cats’ second drive began at their 35. Following Morrison runs of 5 and 43 yards, Lian Hup handled the rest. His 12-yard rush came before a 5-yard touchdown run. Hup added the conversion for a 14-0 first quarter lead.
The Cats’ third possession was their longest and needed seven plays to cover 70 yards. Morrison, Hup, wingback Silas West and quarterback Slade Smith shared the carries. West’s 7-yard touchdown run capped the drive, and Morrison’s conversion extended Clear Creek’s lead to 22-0.
The Cats’ fourth series started at Union’s 18 following McCollum’s fumble recovery. Smith rumbled for 9 yards on first down, and McCollum took the ensuing hand-off around the right edge for a 9-yard touchdown.
CCMS led 28-0 at the half, and its opening drive of the third quarter got underway at its 38. Hup’s 42-yard gallop put CCMS in prime position to score, and a Panther penalty moved the ball to the 10. Three straight runs by Heath Hice followed, and his last was a 3-yard score. Hice added the conversion for a 36-0 CCMS lead.
Union punted when they received the ball. The Panthers’ second and final drive of the game ended with an 87-yard touchdown run. With a running clock, the fourth quarter ticked by quickly.
The win counted as an eighth-grade victory as UCMS does not field a seventh-grade team. CCMS is 3-0 and hosts Lumpkin County today at 5 p.m.