UPDATE:
Craig County came into the game aiming to break their winning streak, but the Chargers were ready to challenge them.
The Rockets wasted no time. Carter Calfee took the direct snap, ran up the middle, then turned on the afterburners for a 65-yard touchdown. Craig County took an early 7-0 lead.
The Rockets struck again, this time from their own 23-yard line. Calfee muscled his way up the middle and sprinted 77 yards to the end zone for another touchdown, extending the lead to 13-0.
Bath County looked poised to get on the scoreboard when Walker Randozzo caught a kickoff and returned it all the way to the house. However, a block in the back penalty nullified the score, leaving the Chargers still down by 13.
Craig County then switched to an air attack. Noah Paxton faked a pump and connected with Jerry Smith in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown. The Rockets led 21-0.
Bath County tried their own passing game, but QB Hunter Kirby’s pass was tipped and intercepted by Noah Paxton, who returned it for a touchdown. Craig County secured the 28-0 win.
For a full breakdown of scores across our region, click here.
It will be a bit cold across the area tonight for high school football, but the competition between Craig County and Bath County is expected to heat up.
The two teams, among the best in Class One and leaders in the Pioneer District, will meet on the gridiron in Hot Springs.
Bath County has been strong this season, quickly integrating playmaker Ethan Bryant into Head Coach Jake Phillip’s hurry-up offense. Last week, Bryant rushed for over 170 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Chargers’ win over Eastern Montgomery. Combined with a powerful front line, Bath County is built to surprise opponents.
About an hour and a half away, the undefeated Craig County Rockets hold an impressive 7-0 record. Senior Carter Calfee, who commands the single-wing offense, recently broke 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive year in a win against Parry McCluer.
Craig County’s defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 48 points all season, making them a tough team to score against.
Tonight’s game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the top Class One teams.