Jared Haught #21 runs the ball down field for a Red Devil touchdown
Story and photos by Patty Haught
The Calhoun Middle School football team traveled to Parkersburg Thursday, September 18th to take on the Parkersburg Catholic Middle school team.
Catholic jumped out ahead in the 1st quarter scoring the first touchdown of the game. Their 2pt conversion came up short and they led 6-0. But Calhoun didn't let that get them down, Jared Haught caught the kick off and returned it 70 yards for a Red Devil touchdown. Haught also ran in the 2pt conversion to put Calhoun on top 8-6.
As the second quarter started Calhoun moved the ball down field and got within the 10 yard line, but was unable to get the much needed 1st down and Catholic took over.
Things started to look up for the Crusaders when they made a 53 yard run, however it was brought back due to a holding penalty. Calhoun's defense held tight and finally took over possession of the ball with 15 seconds remaining in the 1st half.
The Devils tried to pass the ball but that attempt failed. They tried to run the ball, but again that failed and the half ended with a 8-6 score.
Calhoun started the second half pumped and ready for action. The Crusaders kicked off to Calhoun and the Devils moved the ball down the field. They fumbled on the 2nd down but was able to recover the ball, Jared Haught had a 22 yard run to the end zone to put Calhoun on the boards again.
As Calhoun attempted the 2pt conversion they received a penalty and was moved back 5 yards. But that didn't hurt the Devils, Quarterback Logan Moore threw a short pass and connected with Jared Mounts to complete the 2pt conversion, putting the score 16-6 in Calhoun's favor.
The rest of the 3rd quarter was a battle back and forth with penalties, fumbles and interceptions. But neither team was able to capitalize and the score remained the same at the end of the 3rd.
Jared Mounts #85 hits the air to catch
a pass for a Calhoun 2pt conversion
The 4th quarter started out pretty much the same way the 3rd ended. But with less than 4 minutes of play left Catholic began to move the ball down field gaining the yards they needed. Finally Calhoun's defense took charge and stopped the Crusaders near Calhoun's own 30 yard line.
Calhoun took over on downs with 2:28 remaining in the game, but the offense couldn't get things moving and Parkersburg took over on downs with 1:19 remaining. The Parkersburg Catholic Middle school team wasn't about to give up and began moving the ball down the field toward their end zone. They were able to complete a couple short passes and was now on Calhoun's own 6 yard line with a mere 48 seconds left in the ballgame.
After another penalty which set the Crusaders back 5 yards, they completed another short pass into the end zone for a touchdown. Their 2pt conversion attempt was good and the score stood at 16-14 with 30 seconds left in the ballgame.
The Crusaders tried an on sides kick but Calhoun's Levi Gordon fell on the ball. Calhoun took a knee on the next play and the clock ran down as the Red Devils got their first win of the season.
Calhoun Middle school will be at home next week to take on the Trailblazers of Ritchie County Middle School. The Thursday night game will start at 6:30 p.m.
Calhoun Middle School cheerleaders cheer the Devils on to victory
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