HAMILTON — After picking up its first win of the season last week, the Caledonia High School football team continued its winning ways Friday night with a 47-20 victory against Hamilton.
The Confederates displayed great offensive efficiency, piling up 389 yards, including 290 yards rushing. Everything appeared to go the Confederates’ way on offense, as the front line dominated by driving their assignments backwards and opening gaping holes. The offensive line allowed only one sack to lead an offense that didn’t commit a turnover.
The Confederates also had 17 first downs and didn’t have to punt. They made it clear they wanted to dominate the Lions by pounding the ball all game, and they did just that.
“I thought we were fairly efficient,” Caledonia coach Andy Crotwell said. “The offensive line played well and our running backs are continuing to grow. They’re catching the ball out of the backfield and coming up with big plays when our team needs it the most.”
The dominating performance by the offensive line made things easier for senior running back Brandon Henry, who had 162 of his 208 rushing yards in the first half.
“I had a good game, but I really have to give all of the credit to my lineman and God,” Henry said. “My line did an excellent job blocking all night. The wideouts did a good job of blocking, and I just can’t thank them enough.”
Henry rushed for four touchdowns as part of Caledonia’s 290-yard ground assault. None of Henry’s scoring runs was bigger than his touchdown in the second quarter that gave his team the lead and the momentum.
Tied at 13 midway through the second quarter, Henry took a handoff out, made one defender miss with a stiff arm, and outran the defense 60 yards to give his team a 19-13 lead.
“It felt really good to score,” Henry said. “As a running back, at school on Monday, everybody always wants to know how many times you scored, and I’m just glad my coach lets me stay in to get the touchdowns after running the ball down the field.”
After pounding the ball with Henry, the Confederates opened their passing game with sophomore quarterback Spencer Unruh, who threw for 99 yards and a touchdown. Unruh said Caledonia took what Hamilton gave it.
“They weren’t really playing us very tight, so we ran a lot hitches and fade routes to beat their coverage,” Unruh said.
Henry and Unruh combined for six touchdowns and 307 yards. Henry rushed for four touchdowns, while Unruh rushed for a score and threw for another.
Caledonia used a strong second quarter surge to seize control. Henry and Unruh did most of the damage, scoring four of their six touchdowns
Whether they were running through defenders, making tacklers miss, or throwing fade routes behind the defense, Henry and Unruh had their way. Hamilton coach Ray Weeks said his defense had no answer for Caledonia.
“We just couldn’t stop them. They were so big up front and they were just blowing our defensive line off the front and our linebackers couldn’t make plays,” Weeks said.
When asked about the six-touchdown performance he was a part of with Unruh, Henry said their success was a team effort that is predicated on having fun and taking care of business.
“The offense is really good this year, and I’m glad that it’s during my senior year that everybody is coming together and everything is clicking,” Henry said. “We’re like a family. Everybody is close, and the chemistry between us works really well.”
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