Clear Creek’s football seasons came to a close in the league semifinals.
The eighth-grade Bobcats hosted Fannin County last Wednesday. The visiting Rebels took a two-point lead into the half and scored three unanswered touchdowns for a 36-14 win.
The seventh-grade Bobcats had ball security issues, and they were tasked with trying to slow a bigger, faster Dawson squad. CCMS fell behind early and trailed throughout in a 36-8 loss.
CCMS head coach Willie Dodaro took the eighth-grade loss on the chin, and discussed the Cats’ performance.
“I’m disappointed because the community has been a great support to us. There was a lot of people at the game and we didn’t put on a good display,” he said. “I’m disappointed in myself. We did our best to get our kids prepared, but it just wasn’t enough.
“This group was 12-2 in middle school and won the championship (as seventh graders) and were twice in the playoffs. They did their job for two years. We’ve gotten more kids out, and more kids will be going to the high school. I’m happy with what we’ve been able to do with this group to prepare them for coach (Paul) Standard at the high school.”
The game started out well enough for the Cats. After forcing a FCMS punt, CCMS quarterback Slade Smith’s first down keeper spanned 68 yards around the right edge and into the end zone. Cal Morrison’s conversion spotted CCMS a fast 8-0 lead.
Fannin’s ensuing kickoff return for a touchdown was nullified because of a holding penalty. FCMS needed just four plays to cover 29 yards and tied the score.
Clear Creek put together a 71-yard drive in response. Morrison and wingback Jackson Jones helped move the Cats to midfield. Three Fannin penalties aided CCMS as the Cats kept the ball on the ground. On the 15th play, Smith rolled to his right and scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown.
Trailing 14-8, Fannin scored on its final four drives of the game. The Rebels’ last possession of the first half needed nine plays, the most of any scoring drive. The 51-yard series and conversion moved FCMS ahead 16-14 at the break.
Clear Creek’s opening drive of the second half ended with a fumble. CCMS turned the ball over on downs on its final two possessions.
Meanwhile, Fannin’s touchdown drives covered 38, 62 and 72 yards, and none needed more than four plays. The Rebels’ touchdowns came on a 30-yard draw, 49-yard pass and 26-yard run around the left end.
The seventh grade played a day prior. Clear Creek’s Peyton Hughes recovered a fumble to end Dawson’s opening drive, but CCMS was forced to punt. When the Bobcat punter was unable to handle the snap, DCMS took over at the Cats’ 27. The three-play drive ended with a 16-yard touchdown run.
Clear Creek’s next drive was highlighted by Michael Sapp’s 46-yard run. However, a fumble gave Dawson the ball at its seven. The Tigers needed six plays to open a 14-0 lead.
CCMS did not cover the kickoff, and the Tigers’ offense was on the field at the Cats’ 43. Four plays later, a 21-yard run gave DCMS a 22-0 advantage.
Dawson intercepted the Cats on their next possession. Bobcat Kamden Becker was there to do the same when DCMS took over on offense.
Another interception started the third quarter for CCMS. On first down, a 57-yard touchdown run moved the Tigers ahead, 28-0. The Cats turned the ball over on downs, and DCMS took over at its 44.
A 19-yard touchdown pass on the seventh play extended Dawson’s lead to 36.
Bobcat quarterback Alex Raper’s 47-yard keeper on the first play of the Cats’ last series accounted for six points. He took the ball across the goal line on the conversion.
“It was nice to be in the playoffs,” Dodaro said. “I’m proud of them to get in the playoffs after they didn’t come from too much in park and rec. They won some games, got in the playoffs, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“I thank the community for all the support they’ve shown us this season. Our coaches put in a lot of time and hard work and did a fantastic job.”
The eighth-grade Cats posted a 5-2 record, and the seventh graders were 2-4.