CCS downed by region champs

Published 12:07 am Saturday, November 1, 2008

Cornerstone Christian School answered a game-opening touchdown by the Crenshaw Christian Academy Cougars, but was unable to stick around long, as Crenshaw extended its region win streak to 20 games, 56-14.

Jake Page took the first play of the game 65 yards for a touchdown run to spark CCA. The point-after kick was good by Michael Jackson. He was a perfect on all eight tries for the night.

Cornerstone answered with a 66-yard pass from Lance Benton to J.V. McKinney, but failed on a 2-point try.

Page later extended the lead, 14-6, on a short run with 5:58 remaining in the opening quarter. Corey Green found Weston Byrd a few minutes later for the first of his three passing touchdowns.

Cornerstone’s largest blow came with a minute to play in the first quarter, when McKinney was taken off the field in an ambulance with a neck injury. After giving thumbs up while being loaded into the ambulance, CCS players felt he’d be all right. Tests at the hospital came back negative for any major injuries.

With Cory Woodall out of the game from its start with an ankle injury and McKinney gone, CCS turned to eighth-grader Brandon Johnson for its offense.

Johnson collected 105 yards rushing in the game, including a 51-yard run in the second quarter for a touchdown. Benton was pushed through across the goal line by his offensive line for the 2-point conversion. CCS went into the locker room down, 49-14.

The Chargers collected 119 yards on the ground, while Benton completed 3-of-6 passes for 91 yards.

Crenshaw had 495 yards of total offense, including 325 on the ground. Page led the attack with 155 yards and three touchdowns, while Nick Kipatrick followed with 108 yards and a touchdown. Green threw for 170 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for one.

Crenshaw (9-1) will host Sumter in the first round of the playoffs next week, while Cornerstone travels to Patrician in Butler.