Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Calhoun School Lions hosted the Zion Chapel Rebels for homecoming Friday and sustained a disappointing shutout 35-0 loss.

The Rebels got on the board in the first quarter, as Joeb Bradley returned a Lions’ fumble for the first score of the game. A quarterback streak by John Hamm from one yard out gained the Rebels’ second touchdown with 8:37 remaining before the half.

The Lions worked hard to diminish Zion Chapel’s lead, but one fumble, a turnover on downs and then an intercepted pass with just 9 seconds left in the third quarter saw the Rebels running the clock down before they headed to the locker room at halftime.

Head coach and athletic director Ervin Starr said the loss reflected the team’s need for discipline.

“We’ve got to be more disciplined,” Starr said. “This is the most undisciplined I’ve seen the football team play in a long time.”

Calhoun kicked off after halftime, fumbling the kick for Zion Chapel to recover. Then, A touchdown run from inside the five-yard line and a good PAT widened the Rebels’ lead to 21-0.

Zion Chapel got on the board again with another rush for the end zone and found the end zone again with 1:17 left in the third quarter.

It would be the last score of the game and the Lions’ were unable to answer the challenge before a homecoming crowd.

The Lion’s host Highland Home’s Flying Squadron Thursday, Oct. 24. In preparation for the challenge, Starr said everyone would need to hone their discipline.

“As a coach, I set the tone,” Starr said. “I set the culture around here, but I’ve never seen us play with this much lack of discipline. It was disappointing and disheartening, but I told the kids that it’s my fault. I’ve gotta do something.”

Heading into this Friday’s matchup, Starr looks to see athlete-leaders, like quarterback Tyler Robertson, continue to improve.

“He’s got athleticism,” Starr said. “He’s got the intelligence, he just doesn’t have the reps from that position to be most effective, but when you do see those flashes [of skill] it’s special to see. Hopefully he’ll continue to get better. He wants to play at the next level so hopefully he’ll continue to progress.”