Photos and Article By: Caneisha Turner, CCI Sports Writer/Photographer
To say that Friday night’s playoff game was a nail-biter would be an understatement.
Both defenses kept offenses in check throughout the game. Chester County’s defensive line was outstanding in controlling the run and the linebackers and secondary were on the receivers like Gorilla Glue despite two pass interference penalties. At the end of regulation, the score was tied at seven forcing overtime. Even though they turned the ball over four times Chester County won the toss and elected to play defense. Creek Wood took the ball at the 10-yard-line and pushed it over the goal line in three plays. The PAT was good, leading 14-7. Chester County took over on offense. Eagles Quarterback Ethan Burks took the ball and pushed it over the goal line on fourth down. The extra point was good and tied the score at 14, forcing the second overtime. The Eagles got the ball first in the second overtime. Following an offside penalty by Creek Wood, star running back Peyton Barham took the ball on a direct snap from center and scored. The extra point was good, and the Eagles took the lead 21-14.
The defense stood strong on Creek Wood’s attempt to tie the score. Senior Jeremiah Gardner tackled the Redhawk quarterback in the backfield, forcing third and goal from down from the 11. Creek Wood attempted a pass on third down when defensive back Jaylen Edgeston intercepted the ball in the endzone ending the game. The final score was 21-14. Following the game the student section, with cow bells ringing, stormed the field to celebrate the win. Barham led the scoring with two touchdowns and 108 yards rushing. On defense, Cayden Talley led with 6.5 tackles, four solo tackles, one assist one sack and two tackles for loss followed by Landon Lewis with 6.5 tackles, three solo tackles, and seven assists. Jaylen Edgeston had six tackles, four solo tackles, four assists, one tackle for a loss and the game winning interception. Following the game CCHS head coach Dewond Johnson said, “The guys played really hard, we’re moving to the second-round baby. I’m just happy for these young men and they gave all they had tonight.” This is Johnson’s second year to coach the Eagles. The Eagles will host District 4-A champ Pearl-Cohn High School, from Nashville, Friday night at Eagle Stadium. The game begins at 7 p.m.
