By Gaylen Duskey
realfang@citlink.net
Once again it was thunder and lightning for the Calhoun Middle School
football team as it rolled to a 30-16 victory over previously unbeaten
Gilmer County Thursday night.
With the win the homestanding Red Devils advanced their record to 3-0 on the
season heading into next Thursday's game against unbeaten and unscored upon
Ritchie County, 3-0.
Johnny Taylor was the Red Devils lightning - along with Devon McKown - while
the defense was provided the thunder with numerous hard hits on the Titans
in the first three quarters before giving way to the subs in the final
period.
Taylor opened the game with an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown. He added a
97-yard run touchdown later on as he carried the ball 13 times for 150
yards. On the season he has 552 yards on 48 carries.
Taylor was not alone in the long-distance scoring as Casey Ritchie and
McKown clicked for a 58-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the Red
Devils on top 16-0.
Casey Ritchie also added a four-yard scoring pass to his twin brother Cole
with :04 remaining in the first half. The Casey Ritchie to Cole Ritchie
combination clicked for three straight extra point conversions, the third
one making it 24-0 at intermission.
In the second half Gilmer managed its one drive against the Calhoun starters
moving the ball into Red Devils' territory for the first time on the evening
only to turn the ball over on downs.
The Red Devils then made one of their rare mistakes and Gilmer came away
with an interception by Carter Springer deep in Calhoun territory.
Once again the Red Devils' defense held, getting the ball back on downs at
the three yard line. After one run attempt resulted in no gain, Taylor took
the next carry and broke off the right side and out raced everyone down the
sideline for the 97-yard score.
Following Taylor's touchdown substitute kicker Christopher Kirkland handled
the kicking duties and Calhoun played the subs the rest of the way.
Gilmer managed two late touchdowns in the final 1:05 of the game to avoid
the shutout.
Seth Smarr had the first touchdown on a 22 yard run while Dalton Law caught
a 16 yard pass from Trey Shuff with :08 remaining for the Titans' second
tally. Hunter Moore's extra point conversion set the final score.
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