Clinton Christian completes successful football season

By Danny C. Davis

 

Although Clinton Christian Academy fell to perennial MAIS powerhouse Tri-County Academy 46-0 in the second round of the MAIS playoffs, the Warriors had a record season.

CCA finished 6-5 overall and 3-1 in their district and had a home playoff game for the first time in school history – and they won the home playoff game.

After starting the season with two losses, the Warriors won five games in a row.

The season was the best since CCA started competing in MAIS eleven-man football.

“We made a lot of progress in year one,” said Warrior first-year head coach Teddy Dyess.

“Our seniors bought into what we were trying to accomplish and led us,” said Dyess. “I believe we are in a great position moving forward.”

“Our junior varsity won their first JV championship in school history,” said Dyess, “so, I think we have laid a good foundation.”

 

In the first playoff game, CCA defeated the Columbia Academy Cougars 36-14 on October 27.

The Warriors scored first on Carter Wilson’s 20-yard run, but the extra point kick failed, giving CCA a 6-0 advantage with 6:32 left in the first quarter.

The Cougars took their only lead of the night on Dillion Riley’s TD reception from Reed Duncan with 1:42 left in the first period.

CCA’s defense put the Warriors ahead for good with a fumble recovery in the end zone by Bo Mayer. Nico Bowen’s two-yard point after run made it 14-8 with 10:15 left in the first half.

And that is the way things stood at halftime.

CCA totally dominated the third period, scoring 22 unanswered points. Carter Wilson scored on a 30-yard run and also ran for a two-point conversion. Jaquarious Clark gave CCA a 30-7 pad with 1:07 left in the third period. Wilson and Clark hooked up again one minute later on a 10-yard TD pass. The point after failed, giving CCA a 29-point advantage.

 

The Cougars scored with only three seconds left in the game on a 10-yard run.

Wilson led the Warrior offense with 29 carries for 204 yards, with two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.

“I am very proud of our team getting a playoff win,” said Coach Teddy Dyess. “The is a big step for our program.”