Most Caldwell County fans probably thought the Tigers had a chance to win their opener Friday night. But even the most fervent Caldwell supporter would have been hard-pressed to predict a running-clock victory.
After going 1-10 last season, the Tigers have roared into the 2024 season after beating Hopkins County Central 42-6 in the Dr. Mike Seibert Bowl at Tiger Stadium.
Caldwell had its offensive struggles last season, but put up 342 total yards against the Storm, including 202 on the ground.
The Tiger defense also had its chance to shine. Hopkins Central had 221 total yards, but Caldwell held the Storm to just 18 rushing yards. The Tigers held the visitors to just one rushing yard and one first down in the second half.
Meanwhile, Caldwell also picked off seven Hopkins Central passes — four by Luke Parker, who tied a 42-year-old school record held by Dimitri McGowan against Murray in 1982.
The Tigers never trailed after getting on the scoreboard with 4:19 left in the opening quarter on a 3-yard run by Gus Fox — the first of three scores for the Caldwell senior. Sutton Ritchey made the extra point to make it 7-0.
Ritchey finished the night 6-for-6 on PAT kicks.
An 18-yard touchdown run by Kam Wilson at the 9:55 mark of the second quarter helped to make it 14-0.
Hopkins Central tried to steal the momentum, though, late in the half. A 10-yard pass from Isac Earl to Jerimiah Groves got the Storm on the scoreboard and made it a 14-6 game. That came with just 2:07 left in the half.
But Caldwell snatched the momentum right back with a quick three-play scoring drive. A 42-yard diving catch by Parker got the Tigers into the red zone. Fox then hauled in an 11-yard scoring toss from Daelyn Lander with 36 seconds left as Caldwell took a 21-6 lead to halftime.
Caldwell then put the game away with three scores in the third quarter.
A 24-yard touchdown pass was Fox’s third score of the night at the 10:46 mark.
Jack Roach scored on a 3-yard with 7:15 left in the period.
Kam Spikes found the end zone on a 15-yard run at the 4:52 mark. That made it 42-6, reaching the mercy rule and resulting in a running clock for the rest of the evening.
Lander was 8 of 11 passing for 140 yards but had two interceptions.
Parker caught three passes for 58 yards while Luke Maddox had three grabs for 47 yards and Fox had the two touchdown catches totaling 35 yards.
Spikes ran for 74 yards on nine carries. Wilson ran for 53 yards on four tries. Maddox rushed for 43 yards on six tries.
For Hopkins Central, Earl was 17 of 38 passing for 205 yards.
Groves caught eight throws for 98 yards while Zayden Parker had four receptions for 32 yards and Issac Manning had three grabs for 41 yards.
Defensively for Caldwell, Jack Roach made 12 tackles and had one of the Tigers’ interceptions. Spikes and Brenton Springfield also picked off passes. Spikes had 10 tackles.
The Tigers will play at home again next Friday against Madisonville-North Hopkins.
The Storm plays its first home game next Friday against Fort Campbell.
One Response
There are two Springfield’s Brenton 33 and Braydon 67. Their names have been spelt wrong several times I just wanted to let you know incase it came from the school wrong. Thank you