It’s not very often that a team makes history. It’s even rarer when a team makes history twice on the same night. And yet that’s what the CCA Patriots did on Friday when they defeated the Georgia Christian Generals 37-6 at Patriot Field in the first round of the state playoffs.
For CCA, it was their first postseason win in program history. For head coach Jed Marsh, it was his first playoff win as a head coach. The victory propelled the Patriots into the semifinals next Friday night, which will also be played at Patriot Field.
CCA racked up points thanks primarily to another dominant rushing performance from running back Dalton Rogers, who tallied 195 yards on 24 carries and four touchdowns.
But it was the Patriot defense that set the tone. CCA surrendered just one touchdown, which came late in the second quarter. “Our defense is the strength of this team. Our aggression, the way we play, it’s our strength. The way they play on defense brings the energy. I’m very proud of them,” said Coach Marsh after the game.
Clay Phillips led the Patriots defense, recording nine tackles, three quarterback hurries, 1.5 sacks, and a blocked punt. Connor Reckley tallied eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Ethan Duran (seven tackles, a sack, and a hurry) forced the fumble that Reckley recovered. Damian Duran and Jonah Hall each had six tackles while Bo Roberts five, 2.5 TFLs, a pair of quarterback hurries, and a sack.
While the defense imposed its collective will on the Generals’ offense, Rogers and company scored early and often. Rogers scored on runs of one yard, three yards, seven yards, and 47 yards.
Tyson Crosby caught four passes for 74 yards, including a highlight reel one-handed grab and a 20-yard sliding catch in the end zone for a score. Ethan Duran also caught two passes for 36 yards and he kicked a 28-yard field goal.
Sam Ables completed seven out of 15 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. He also ran nine times for 27 yards.
“I’m very proud of their effort and I’m proud of their execution. Obviously we’ve got to clean up a lot of penalties but our guys played a well-executed football game and I’m very proud of them,” said Coach Marsh.
Next Friday, the Patriots will face the Vidalia Heritage Academy Eagles, who defeated Holy Spirit Prep 75-8 in their first-round matchup. The Patriots and the Eagles played each other on October 16 at Patriot Field CCA won that contest 28-24.
