By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–A play that won’t show up on the stat sheet but set the tone early in a game where the Helena Huskies manhandled the Calera Eagles 38-14 at Husky Stadium in a huge area game match up.

The play happened midway through the first quarter as Helena was looking to go up early on the Eagles.

Helena’s offense was driving and Huskies quarterback Riley Davis was looking to hit wide receiver Kourtney Moore over the middle for a touchdown but at the last second a Calera defender stepped in and grabbed an interception at the goal line. Moore did not give up on the play however, and he proceeded to strip the ball and fall on it at the Calera 11 yard line, giving the Huskies offense the ball back and keep momentum alive.

Helena would not squander the opportunity, as the next play resulted in an 11 yard touchdown run by Helena running back Devan Walker to put the Huskies up 7-0 early.

From that point forward, it was all Helena as the Huskies defense flew around the field making plays all night stifling Calera’s offense.

Helena head coach Watt Parker recognized how big of a play Moore made and he also believed it set the tone for the game.

“We talked all week about just playing a complete game and just playing every play no matter what and ignoring whatever happens,” said Parker. “That’s an example of one of our guys just selling out and playing an entire play and not stopping.”

Helena’s next offensive possession would also be capped off by an 11-yard touchdown run by Walker around left end. The Huskies drove the ball 48 yards in 5 plays.

The Eagles offense just couldn’t get anything going all night as they had numerous drives stall.

The only bright spot for the Eagles occurred late in the first half when Calera running back Kyle Harrell broke free down the sideline for a 46 yard touchdown run bringing the halftime score to 22-7 in favor of Helena.

Calera wouldn’t get the chance to get back in the game as Helena took the opening drive of the second half and marched 73 yards down the field in just over two minutes to extend their lead to 29-7 after Davis ripped off a 27 yard touchdown run.

After a great punt return that set the Helena offense up at the Calera 11 yard line, Moore would find the end zone on a 9 yard touchdown run to put Helena up 35-7.

Moore was one of many seniors who were honored before the game at Husky Stadium as players were honored on senior night.

Parker talked about how far his team has come in the past year and he was proud that the seniors were able to celebrate such a big victory.

“The biggest difference is a year in the weight room and a year together learning what we want to do and how to play as a team,” said Parker. “Of course, just being able to pull it all together this summer and get stronger so that we could physically compete with a team of the caliber of Calera.”

Helena improved their record to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in region play, as they will host Sumter Central in another area game on Oct. 16 for homecoming.

Calera’s overall record dropped to 5-2 overall and 3-2 in region play.