Head Coach Dillon Mitchell and the County Boys are just steps closer accomplishing the first goal on their list – district champs. And all roads in 3A Region 4 lead to the Dale tonight as they take on the Nettleton Tigers, in hopes of finishing off the Lee County sweep.
But first, they had to take care of business in Mooreville, and that’s exactly what they did as the Chargers defeated the Troopers 51-14.
Being in the position to take district isn’t new to the Chargers, as the Chargers found themselves in the same position last year in the Highway 9 Bowl. Same set of Chargers, minus the Class of 2023, but this time it’s a different mentality.
“Since day one, we have preached how we handle adversity will define us. We aren’t anywhere near perfect but we are just pounding it in their heads that regardless if we are up 14 or down, we have to be the same people. You have to be able to anticipate adversity and then you have to respond well,” Mitchell said.
Last year, fans saw a Chargers football team that wore their hearts on their sleeve whether it was win, lose or draw – and sometimes, that was either a good or bad thing – but this year, they’re learning to tuck their hearts in and never break their poker faces. And by all means, take no prisoners.
And the difference is definitely seen and felt. And Mooreville definitely felt it.
In true Charger fashion, the County Boys struck first with a successful drive ending with a K.J. Cork to Caleb Cunningham connection during his comeback game, and with a PAT from Jae’Din Thames, the Chargers went up 7-0.
Mooreville attempted to answer, but were pushed to punt on another solid performance from the defense.
But, the Troopers defense returned the favor and pushed the Chargers to punt. But, it wouldn’t be long before the defense did the same. With the Chargers back on offense, Cork went with a Cunningham, Jeramiah Miller, Tayshawn King combination. Keeping it himself, Cork got the Chargers on the board going up 14-0.
After getting another Mooreville three-and-out, the Chargers up the score again this time with a Cork to King to Miller combination, where Miller broke loose and took it to the house with a pack of Troopers following.
But, Mooreville finally got on the board with a break of their own. Mooreville’s David Upchurch took a kickoff return the distance, making the score 20-7. Mooreville returned fire again with a pooch kick, getting the ball back.
But, the Chargers answered again with an interception by Jaquan Lewis. The Chargers went up again with another Cork to Miller to Cunningham combination, this time with Cunningham breaking lose. With an added PAT by Thames, the Chargers made the 27-7.
The Chargers would go up again, making the score 33-7. After the defense recovered a fumble, the Chargers went back on offense and Cork connected with Jahiem Woodard making it 39-7.
Chargers went back on defense and Lewis caught another interception. The Chargers going back on offense, pinned themselves on their own penalties on the two-yard line, and in a moment where panic should set in, Cork was poised and sought his target. And he connected with Cunningham as he hit him with a chest pass and Cunningham ran it back for a 98-yarder, making the score 45-7.
But, Mooreville would answer before the first half ended going up 45-14.
“I’m just really excited about the direction the defense is going. We are getting faster and guys are in good position. As an offensive head coach, I love when the defense gets the turnovers and gets us the ball back quickly,” Mitchell said.
As the clock ran down, in the third and fourth quarters, Mooreville attempted to come back but were again unsuccessful. The Chargers tried to make things work with Jack Hood now at the helm, but the Chargers were just short of a first down.
But, again the Chargers defense, this time the JV defense, answered the bell again pushing Mooreville out. The Charger offense still attempted to get something going but couldn’t.
As Mooreville went back on offense, the Chargers would put the nail in the coffin of the Troopers as Caden Herklotz caught an interception and ran it back for a Charger touchdown, ending the game 51-14.
“Caden Herklotz had a pick six Friday night, our JV got to play the whole second half another night where they got some really quality reps. We are really excited about them and the future team,” Mitchell said.
This week’s game
This week the Chargers get their last welcome back to 3A from old foe, the Nettleton Tigers. As the Dale become the battle site for the winner of 3A Region 4.
“It’s gonna be a really great test for us. But, that’s what you’ve got to expect this time of year. There aren’t any bad teams playing for a division championship. They are extremely athletic and explosive. They are aggressive on defense. We’ve got to be ready to play a really good game.”
Player of the week
This week’s player of the week is Senior Jaquan Lewis. Lewis had a big night against Mooreville with two interceptions, two pass deflections and two tackles.
