By Jason Nichols
The CCHS Panthers headed to Gilmer on Friday to take on the Gilmer County Titans. Gilmer was coming off an 11-1 season in 2016, and returned some of their key players this year.
The Panthers jumped out to a 6-0 lead after a long ground controlled opening drive to the season. On the drive, Caleb Wynn carried the ball 12 times for 65 yards before scoring his first TD of the night. Isaac Workman capped off the first half scoring with an interception and return for a TD. Clay went to the half with a 12-0 lead.
The Panthers continued to dominate defensively in the second half. Seniors Zack Ferrebee and Ryan Burdette led the team in tackles with 11 and 8 respectively. Workman intercepted three passes on the evening and returned two of them for touchdowns.
CCHS put three scores on the board in the second half as Wynn and Alex Grose each had rushing touchdowns. Workman’s second interception return closed the scoring for the Panthers. Gilmer scored a second half TD, and the final score was 31-6. The Panthers have now won five straight games dating back to last season.
On the night, CCHS ran for 288 yards rushing and passed for another 51. Gilmer was only able to gain 150 total yards of offense. Statistical leaders for the Panthers were Wynn who had 27 carries for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ryan Burdette caught three passes for 49 yards.
Players of the Game consisted of Wynn and Workman. We are not sure if any CCHS football player has ever had three interceptions in a single game before. These players stood out among the rest for their statistical totals and accomplishments. Wynn is a Junior RB and LB. Workman is a Senior RB and DB.
Other players in consideration this week include Colton Casto and Alex Grose. Casto found out 15 minutes before game time that he would be in the lineup after an injury to one of the starters. Casto is only a freshman and he stepped up and performed wonderfully. Grose threw for 51 passing yards and ran for 53 on the ground.
Next week the Panthers will host the Eagles from Braxton County. Braxton is expecting a deep playoff run this season and this will be a big challenge for the Panthers. We believe the boys will be excited for the opportunity.
