By James Carskadon
Special to The Dispatch
There were plenty of moments Friday night when it looked like Greg Watkins’ Columbus Christian Academy (2-2) squad had taken one punch too many against New Site (3-1). The visiting Royals from Booneville had two ‘size’ advantages that looked like they would be too much to overcome.
First, the Royals were physically bigger football players. They boasted a bigger offensive line and a running back, J.T. Herring, that was built like a fullback from smash-mouth football of a bygone era. Second, New Site had a roster that was twice the size of Columbus Christian’s. Watkins noted the Rams were essentially playing with 16 players, while the Royals had 35 on their roster. Between those two factors, few would have been surprised to see the Rams lack the depth to punch back each of the three times they feel behind by three touchdowns.
However, that’s just what the Rams did. Led by senior K.C. Cunningham, Columbus Christian responded to every New Site touchdown in the second half with a touchdown of its own. Unfortunately, they never were able to get over the final hurdle, eventually falling 34-26. According to Cunningham, the Rams’ perseverance kept them in the game.
“It was just focus and determination to win,” he said. “I think if we just had a little more time and made some more key tackles, we would have come away with a win.”
Despite not getting a win, that focus and determination was on display three times in the second half. New Site had scoring plays of 32, 36 and 75 yards, all of which extended the team’s lead to two touchdowns. More importantly, all of those plays seemed like the dagger that would put Columbus Christian away for good. For many overmatched opponents, that would have been the case. But not for Columbus Christian.
After the first New Site score of the second half put the Rams up 20-6, Cunningham broke loose on a 52-yard run for a touchdown. After New Site scored again, B.J. Shirley punched it in from three yards out, making it a one-score game once again. New Site responded with their final scoring strike, a 75-yard run by senior Quintin Grzesiak, putting the Royals up 14 with 4:14 left.
The Rams were not done yet, though. Quarterback Dawson Shaw found Cunningham open on a 32-yard touchdown strike to pull the Rams back within striking distance, 34-28. A failed onside kick attempt and two first downs would be enough for New Site to run out the remaining time before Columbus Christian had another chance to strike back.
Despite the loss, Watkins was pleased with the way his team was able to trade punches with a quality team from the Mississippi High School Activities Association.
“We’ve got a couple guys injured and out for other reasons,” Watkins said. “It hurts when you’ve got to go both ways. Then you’ve got 12 seniors on the other side of the ball, along with 30 more kids I think helped them out. They’ve done a real good job at New Site. They may be one of the better teams that we play. I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and determination our guys showed and played with.”
On the other sideline, New Site head coach Ron Jackson was disappointed his team let the Rams continue to hang around in the second half.
“Not to take anything away from them, but we didn’t play well,” Jackson said. “We played well in spots. They played hard with 20 guys. They got after our tails, no doubt.”
For Columbus Christian, even a loss can bring a confidence boost. Teams from the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools often struggle against MHSAA opponents. Cunningham sees Friday night’s win as a good barometer of where the Rams stand against their district opponents in MAIS.
“[New Site] is better than all our district, to be honest,” Cunningham said. “If we just stuck with them, then we pretty much can win our district if we play hard like we did tonight.”
With playmakers like Cunningham, the Rams will likely find themselves ahead in many games this season. But if Friday night is any indication, Columbus Christian will not be going away quietly if the team finds itself down, no matter the size of the opponent.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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