First play, first possession: A fumble and a touchdown surrendered.
Second possession: Another fumble and another touchdown.
Third possession: Interception.
Fourth possession: A fumble returned for touchdown number three.
Ray Brooks led McAdams 18-0 before the first quarter ended.
The undefeated Tigers defeated the McAdams Bulldogs…wait…did they?
It is difficult to say the visiting Tigers were better than their hosts. They did outplay them, but it was not a case of McAdams’ best being inferior to Brooks’ best.
“Ray Brooks was outstanding, quick, fast, physical,” McAdams Head Coach Jim Risen said. “But, when you start out your first couple of drives putting the ball on the ground…That continues to be our achilles heel.”
Kristopher Brown filled in for the injured Jordan Fleming at quarterback, and, as usual, the junior found the end zone. A long third-quarter run by Brown made the score 26-6 with six minutes and change remaining. With the hole dug early and the deficit still 20, the Bulldogs gave up another touchdown as the period ended.
Two more fourth-quarter Tiger TDs conceded by a discouraged defense made the final score 48-6.
In addition to missing Fleming, Risen’s squad was without Mekyle Riley and Deon Wilkins, both of whom were out with concussions. It may not have been a different story, but it definitely did not help.
“We have slid into this abyss,” Risen said. “And we’ve got to pull ourselves out.”
Later, in his account of the game, Risen’s tone changes and assumes a lighter, more constructive and hopeful tone about the team he believes strongly in.
“We’re still trying to find our strengths, trying to make sure the little things are covered,” he said in a thoughtful manner. “That’s what It’s all about, improving.
“We’re 2-3 and we’re still in reach of things that the school hasn’t done before.”
McAdams next game is this Friday, at Northside.
