Typically, a dominant ground game suggests control, and it did for Head Coach Jim Crowder’s Trojans, save a sudden shift early in the fourth quarter of his team’s opening-game 36-22 victory against Amite School Center.
Central Holmes Christian School led 21-8 and seemed to be cruising when a Crowder prediction came true in the form of a fumble returned for a touchdown.
“We talked all week about facing adversity and that we didn’t want to run from it,” Crowder said. “We knew it was coming; we couldn’t avoid it. So we were going to be ready.”
It kept coming.
ASC held the Trojans offense on the following possession, got the ball, marched down the field and took the lead.
“So, we go from trying to put the game away in the fourth quarter – with the ball, to down one with six-and-a-half minutes to go,” Crowder said.
Having been prepared for a showdown with adversity all week, CHCS responded with two rushing touchdowns in the time that remained and produced a final score that masked the fourth-quarter drama.
“We didn’t have anybody back down or shy away from the situation,” Crowder said. “As a coach, that’s probably the thing I’m proudest about.”
All five of the Trojans’ touchdowns came on the ground.
“Overall, we were pretty much a three-headed monster on the ground with our quarterback Nathan Taylor, and running backs Wykese Johnson and Pacey Thompson,” Crowder said.
Crowder noted the role his offensive line, as well as fullback Wes Hudson and tight end Luke Smith, played in the rushing success.
He said he was especially pleased because “every single bit” of line depth has been diminished by injuries.
CHCS next plays on Friday, at home, against Deer Creek Schook at 7 p.m.
