JUNIOR HIGH RECAP: CHARLESTON 42, GREENLAND 16
CHARLESTON – What was billed as a battle of unbeaten 3A-1 conference opponents quickly became another lopsided Charleston victory on Thursday night at Alumni Field. The Tigers controlled the entire first half from start to finish in all facets of the game, from offense to defense to special teams. Charleston raced out to a 42-0 halftime lead, while Greenland scored twice in the second half against Charleston’s reserve defense.
After a solid Tanner Schilling return on the opening kickoff, Charleston would take over at the Greenland 38-yard line. Unlike last week when the Tigers scored on their first play at Cedarville, Greenland would make Charleston work for it a bit more this time. After two Grant Little carries, and a 10-yard completion from Daeton Stewart to Carson Lensing, Charleston would score on their fourth play with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Stewart to Jaxson Todd to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead.
On Greenland’s first offensive possession, the Charleston defense would flex their muscle and let the Pirates know they were in for a long night. After two straight carries up the middle for no gain, Greenland’s jet sweep pass was stuffed behind the line of scrimmage on third down by Cooper Carruth for a 2-yard loss, and Greenland was forced to punt to Charleston.
The Tigers would pick up right where they left off on their previous possession, attacking through the air. This time Stewart would find Tanner Schilling for a 73-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 14-0. As has been the case the previous five weeks, the rout was on.
It would be the Charleston defense lighting up the scoreboard next, with defensive tackle Bryant Wilson taking a Greenland fumble and running it on for an 18-yard scoop and score touchdown to put the Tigers up 21-0 with 1:31 left in the first quarter.
“I was happy for him, he made a great effort play by continuing to pursue the ball” said Charleston junior high head coach Matt Stewart of his freshman defensive tackle. “He works really hard in practice and gives us a great look as a scout team defensive lineman.”
After a third Greenland punt, Stewart would find the end zone again for his third, and final, touchdown. This one was a 57-yard pass to Schilling to give Charleston a 27-0 lead after the missed extra point.
On Greenland’s fifth offensive possession, they would go backwards again when the punt snap was bobbled, and were forced to fall on it at the Charleston 15-yard line. The Tigers would then need just two plays to score, with a 11-yard pass from Stewart to Carruth setting up a 4-yard Carruth touchdown carry. The two-point conversion was good to put Charleston up 35-0 with 4:34 left in the first half.
This would be the final offensive touchdown for Charleston, but the Tigers would have one more score left in them. This time, it was on special teams. Greenland’s fifth punt attempt on the night was blocked by Easton Harrington, and Cash McConnell picked it up for the score to put Charleston up 42-0 just before halftime.
Cam Fox led the Charleston defense with six tackles, and two quarterback hurries. Jaten Murray and Kurt Lachowsky added three tackles apiece. In the first half, the stifling Charleston defense held Greenland to minus-21 total yards, zero first downs and zero points.
“The defense was challenged all week to make a statement,” said Stewart. “We had two undefeated teams meeting at Alumni Field and something had to give. The kids showed up in a big way and played great defense.”
Daeton Stewart was dialed in and sensational on the night. The freshman gunslinger finished 7-of-8 for 180 yards and three touchdowns. This puts his totals on the season at 779 yards and 16 touchdowns.
“Coach Reese had it dialed in,” said Stewart of the offensive performance. “Daeton had questions throughout the week about Greenland coverages and how they play. He was confident in their alignment and ripped it.”
Stewart also gave praise to his wide receivers who made big plays on the night.
“The passing yardage came in various ways,” Stewart said. “Some were downfield passes while others were short in nature that turned explosive. The receivers did a good job hitting landmarks and made some good plays.”
We also can’t forget about the big guys up front, who kept Daeton’s jersey clean. From left tackle to right tackle: Easton Harrington, Kurt Lachowksy, Aiden Akers, Cam Fox, and Maddox Loyd.
“The offensive line had another big night as well giving Daeton a clean pocket,” said Stewart. “Without those ‘dudes’ we wouldn’t be able to do what we’ve accomplished.”
Greenland found the end zone twice in a mercy-rule shortened second half against the Charleston second and third string defense, both on quarterback keepers from Chandler Fanning.
Greenland will need to regroup and face another undefeated opponent next week when they host Mansfield. Charleston will have one more tune-up game at struggling West Fork, who is coming off a 52-0 defeat from Mansfield. After that, the stage will be set for a week 9 showdown when Charleston travels to Mansfield.
For second-half photos from Ronni Tate Young, visit Team Press Pass on Facebook.
