Lions loss refines focus for training

Published 9:40 am Friday, September 13, 2024

The Central High School Lions sustained a 0-38 loss during Friday’s rain-soaked games with Clarke County. The loss served as an indicator for the school’s coaches, revealing where players are and what needs to be done for the teams to rise to victory this season.

Central High School vs. Clarke County 0-38

The Lions of Central High School in Hayneville sustained a shut-out loss to the Clarke County Bulldogs. Outmatched on the road, the Lions failed to put points on the board, but did stay in the mix, especially on defense.

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“We created some turnovers, and we had two interceptions by Iyanis Wallace,” said Central head coach Julian Little. “Jamarcus Webb made five tackles, two tackles for loss.”

Roderius Seawright thwarted a Bulldogs’ punt attempt and created havoc in the middle of their defense, Little said.

“We tackled a lot better than we did the week before and were better as far as assignment.” Little said. “We blocked better too.”

Assignment, Little explained, means knowing when to be where based on the opponent’s play. And while the Lions are making strides, Little said he aims to focus on taking the opportunities that present themselves.

“We started slow,” Little said. “They scored twice over two drives on two plays. We went over this all week, but the biggest thing is we did not capitalize on the moments. We had some decent field positions, we just didn’t capitalize on those opportunities.”

Jabraylen Thomas nearly made a 60-yard catch that was negated by a fumble and blocking back, Little said. Dropping an interception and failing to align are mistakes the team will work hard not to replicate in their matchup with St. Lukes on Sept. 13.

The defeat to the Bulldogs drops Central’s record to 0-2. The Lions will host Friday’s contest with kickoff at 7 p.m.

The Calhoun School vs. Pike Lib 0-40

The Calhoun School suffered a home-field loss to Pike Lib Friday, putting no points on the board during the 0-40 matchup.

The Patriots got on the board early, but the Tiger defense held them back from scoring again until the second quarter. By halftime, the Patriots led 14-0.

Head coach Ervin Starr said the Tigers started strong but failed to rally after the half.

“It’s all down to conditioning,” Starr said. “We just give out before the game is over. We will continue to focus on conditioning.”

In the third quarter, Pike put two more touchdowns up but only one kick was true. Widening the lead by two more touchdowns, the Patriots closed the contest allowing no points to the Tigers.

The loss drops the Tigers’ record to 0-3 heading into their region game on the road against Goshen Sept. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.