Delay Doesn’t Slow Callaway; Wins Opener

After being in a weather delay for two hours, the Callaway High Cavaliers returned to the field and never slowed down winning the team’s season opener by a score of 22-12 over the visiting Mt. Zion Bulldogs.
The Cavalier offense got off to a quick start after a good kickoff return to open the game. The Cavaliers started a 57-yard scoring drive from their own 43-yard line and running back Christon Kennedy was the workhorse in the drive and he gave the Cavaliers the lead with a 1-yard run into the end zone with 7:26 left to play in the first quarter. Kaiden James was called on for a two-point conversion play and he answered the call giving the Cavaliers an early 8-0 lead.
Before the Bulldogs could snap the football on the return kickoff, the weather sent the teams to their respective locker rooms at 7:43 p.m. and play did not resume until 9:36 p.m. and it appeared as if the long wait had not affected the Cavalier defense turning back to back tackles for a loss.
However, the Bulldogs also seemed rejuvenated and came through with a long pass to begin a 50-yard scoring drive of their own and cut the Callaway lead to 8-6 just as the buzzer blew to end the first quarter of play.
The Cavaliers put together another solid offensive drive on the return kickoff and drove all the way to the Bulldog 1-yard line before a turnover by Callaway ended the drive.
Most of the second quarter was a defensive struggle but the Callaway offense was not going to be denied.
Late in the second quarter, the Callaway defense had the Bulldogs backed up in the shadow of the goal post and forced a punt and received the football at their own 43-yard line to begin another scoring drive. Quarterback A.J. Williams connected with Kadarius (KJ) Carr on a 37-yard pass play to set up a first and goal at the Bulldog 13-yard line. Kennedy scored his second touchdown of the night on a 13-yard run and Noah Hart split the uprights on the extra point attempt to give the Cavaliers a 15-6 lead with 4:32 left to play in the half.
The Cavaliers put together another great drive late in the first half and with the clock winding down, called on Hart to attempt a 40-yard field goal but it was unsuccessful.
The teams were given a 10-minute half time break and returned to the field ready to play.
The Bulldogs took the opening kickoff for the second half and drove 80-yards to score with 6:25 left to play in the third quarter and cut the Callaway lead to 15-12.
The Callaway defense stood tall from that point on and kept the Bulldogs out of scoring position.
The Cavaliers iced the win with 1:34 left to play in the game after completing a 64-yard drive. This time Williams connected with Zy Dandy on a 15-yard pass to score. Hart split the uprights again and the Cavaliers were leading by a score of 22-12.
Williams had a good night completing seven of 13 passes for 82-yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 24-yards on six carries.
Kennedy rushed for 91-yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns; Kaiden Lee rushed for 67-yards on nine carries and Carr had 63-yards on two carries.
James was the leading receiver with three receptions for 34-yards; Dandy had two reception for 19-yards and a touchdown; Kam Newell had 29-yards receiving on two catches.
Kaidyn Johnson had an interception.
1 2 3 4 Final
MZH 6 0 6 0 12
CHS 8 7 0 7 22
Up next for the Cavaliers
This Friday night, Aug. 28, the Cavaliers will travel to Bowdon High to play the Red Devils. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Red Devils are coming off a 38-19 loss to the Bremen Blue Devils.
The Red Devils will rely heavily on the team’s senior quarterback Conner Daniel who passed for 92-yards and rushed for 62-yards against the Blue Devils.
Junior player Jett Abrams will be the player to stop in the rushing game. Abrams rushed for 59-yards.