Choctaw County began the Jeff Roberts' era by rushing for 464 yards in a 34-20 victory over Independence. It was Roberts' first game as the Chargers' coach.
“We want to run the ball and we did that effectively,” he said, adding that the Chargers have to get better in the Red Zone. “I think we could have scored a couple more touchdowns. But I can't fault the effort of our linemen and runners. They broke some long runs.”
Quarterback Tylan Carter and sophomore running back Dicenzo Miller did most of the damage, each coming close to 200 yards and each toted the pigskin into the end zone twice. Miller had 18 carries for 195 yards and Carter 20 for 189 yards. Carter also completed four passes for 76 yards.
When a team has that much success on the ground, much of the credit must go to the guys up front. Josh Hall and Brady Brooks are the tackles, Logan Stirewalt and Chris Anderson the guards and Kanden Utley the center. All five are seniors and all five played almost the entire game on a warm and humid night, a testament to their conditioning.
Stirewalt also saw some action on defense. “For him to be able to stay on the field shows what type of shape his is in,” Roberts said.
The coach was also pleased with his team's defensive effort, especially that of linebacker Preston Lindsay. “The defense played really well throughout the game.”
The Chargers actually trailed 20-18 at the half, the result of three missed extra points, but wore down Independence in the second half, outscoring the Wildcats 16-0 after intermission.
Choctaw County moved 59 yards on six running plays and a pass interference penalty on the Chargers' first possession to score on a one-yard run by Miller. The other touchdowns came on a six-yard run by Carter, a 23-yard run by freshman Antonio Kennedy, a 59-yard run by Miller and a quarterback sneak by Carter. Kennedy ran over one would be tackler on his TD run. He finished with 77 yards on only three carries.
Choctaw County was successful on two-point attempts after the two second half TDs. Carter ran for one and passed for the other to Clark Crowley, who took a big hit, but held on to the ball.
Choctaw County outgained Independence 540-231. Preston Payne accounted for most of the Chargers’ passing yardage with a 53-yard reception.
The Wildcats were led by Kylan Garrett, who ran 16 times for 97 yards and had a 27-yard reception.
The Chargers will step up in competition Friday with a home game against Winona. The Tigers were 13-1 last year, including a 33-7 victory over Choctaw County.
