Relying on a multi-faceted, effective offense and a smothering, solid defense the visiting Calhoun City (Miss.) Wildcats defeated Notre Dame, 35-14, Friday night in a high school football game.
The Wildcats (5-1) scoring was led by three touchdown runs from junior Keshun Parker, a 94 yard kickoff return by Jessie Nabors and junior quarterback JoJo Gray who threw for 84 yards (5-9) and found the end zone on a 3-yard run.
The victors scored on their first possession as Parker capped a 71-yard-drive with a 5-yard to pay dirt.
Calhoun City extended the lead to 21-0 in the second quarter as Gray (3 yards) and Parker (5 yards) each found the end zone.
The two teams then swapped scores in a matter of seconds as Notre Dame’s T.J. McGhee and Cameron Wynn hooked up on a 51-yard scoring pitch and catch to pull within 14 only (21-7) to have Nabors return the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to put the visitors back up by 21 for a halftime score of 28-7.
Parker scored his final touchdown on the Wildcats first drive of the second half to lead 35-7, while the Irish (4-2) closed out the scoring in the fourth quarter as Calvin Sims delighted the home crowd with an 89-yard-run from scrimmage with under five minutes to play.
“Our offense played one of its best games of the season as several guys contributed as we moved the ball well and the defense was strong in stopping the run,” said Calhoun City coach Perry Liles.
“This is our longest trip of the year and I am pleased with how we played on offense, defense and special teams.”
Notre Dame traveled to Calhoun City a year ago and won, 57-46.
Irish coach Charles Fant said, ‘’their defense really stopped our running game and much of their success on that side of the ball is the strength of their players.
"They are state champs in power lifting and it shows on the football field. We are also working hard in the weight room and will continue to improve on overall team strength.”
Back To Region Play -- “This non-region game was a good test for us and shows us what we need to work on as we head to region play next Friday at (defending region champs) East Ridge.”
Rushing: Calhoun City -Keshun Parker (6-63, 3 TDs), Jessie Nabors (6-46 ... plus 94 kickoff return for TD) .. JoJo Gary (7-53 ....1 TD)
ND - Calvin Sims (2-90 ... 1 TD), Akil Sledge (7-18)
Passing: Calhoun City: JoJo Gary (5-9, 84 yards)
ND - T.J. McGhee (1-7,51 yards ... 1 TD)
Calhoun City (Miss.) 35, Notre Dame 14
CC - 7 - 21 - 7 - 0 -- 35
ND - 0 - 7 - 0 - 7 -- 14
1st Q
CC – Keshun Parker 5 run (McGregor Lee kick), 7-0 … 4 plays, 71 yards … 1:59
2nd Q
CC – JoJo Gray 3 run (Lee kick), 14-0 … 7 plays, 81 yards … 2:11
CC – Parker 5 run (Lee kick), 21-0 … 9 plays, 84 yards … 3:16
ND - Cameron Wynn 51 pass from T.J. McGhee (Andy McMeen kick), 21-7 … 3 plays, 57 yards … 2:22
CC – Jessie Nabors 94 kickoff return (Lee kick), 28-7 … 1 play, 94 yards
3rd Q
CC – Parker 12 run (Lee kick), 35-7 … 6 plays, 80 yards … 3:45
4th Q
ND – Andrew Banks 89 run (McMeen kick), 35-14 … 1 play, 89 yards … 0:18
Records: Calhoun City (5-1), Notre Dame (4-2)
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net