MACON — Columbus High School football coach Randal Montgomery has won big games in his 14-year coaching career.
While a slow start by his Falcons this season hasn’t dampened Montgomery’s enthusiasm, Montgomery, his team’s early season struggles have made it tough on him.
Columbus was held to 74 yards offense Friday night in a 34-9 loss at Noxubee County.
“In Class 6A, you have to be able to throw the ball and catch the ball,” Montgomery said. “We have the personnel to run the ball and to run it well this season. However, you have to be able to throw the ball. To give your running game any chance, you have to throw the football.
“Right now teams can load the box and just flood our backfield because there is no passing threat. Until we show we can do those things, we are going to have a tough time.”
Columbus was held to 80 yards in a season-opening 42-14 loss at West Point. While Columbus has played two of the state’s best teams, the offensive struggles have become alarming.
Senior Chris Taylor punted 37 times last season. He has already been called on 15 times this season.
Noxubee County was credited with 11 sacks. Junior quarterback Laterius Stowers and sophomore Jaelen Craddeith have both been given a chance to ignite the Falcons. The duo combined to throw for 21 yards against the Tigers.
Columbus is only minus-one in turnover margin. While penalties weren’t a problem against West Point, the flags were too plentiful in week two, as Columbus was penalized 16 times.
“Some of the penalties were just attention to detail,” Montgomery said. “I think the kids are frustrated we aren’t moving the ball and that is leading to not being as sharp as we need to be at times.”
On defense, Columbus held its own and displayed great improvement from the season opener. The Falcons had three takeaways — an interception by James Randle and fumble recoveries by Isaiah Karriem and Dontae Gillespie.
The Columbus defense also had three turnovers on downs, including one on a pass breakup by Gillespie in the red zone.
“The defense played well,” Montgomery said. “We will win some games if they continue to provide that kind of performance. We improved a lot on that side of the ball. We had takeaways, stops, and really did a good job of stuffing the run.
“The defense gave us a chance in the game.”
Noxubee County built a 19-3 halftime lead. The Tigers took over at the Falcons’ 4-yard line and 9-yard line after strips on sacks in the second quarter. Still, the 9-yard drive almost worked out for the Falcons, as Maliek Stallings hit Rashad Eades in the corner of the end zone for a 5-yard scoring play on fourth-and-goal.
The two short-yardage scores killed the competitive spirit of the Falcons and helped stretch the lead in the second quarter.
“We did no favors for our defensive unit,” Montgomery said. “They kept competing for four quarters. However, we have to give them some help. It’s not about scoring on every drive. It’s about changing field position and giving the defense a rest. Right now, it’s not help for them.”
Josh Gray, Devon King, Karriem, and Mon Williams anchored a strong performance for the Columbus defense.
Noxubee County was held to 279 yards offense on 59 plays.
“Our run defense has played well in back-to-back games,” Montgomery said. “West Point has the best running game in the state and we did an admirable job. We just have to give them some help and start being able to put some drives together.”
With a young team, Montgomery embraces a chance to return to practice during this week’s open date. Columbus will return to action Sept. 8 at Starkville.
Much like West Point and Noxubee County, Starkville will bring an imposing front four into the matchup. The Yellow Jackets will want to get into the backfield to disrupt the timing of Stowers and Craddieth.
“There is no suspense in stopping us,” Montgomery said. “We will have to make some adjustments and start finding a way to get some 5-yard, 10-yard plays. If we can find a way to move the ball consistently, we have a chance to win some games. We aren’t that far away.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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