Calhoun City used a bruising ground game led by Keshun Parker and backup QB Chardarrius “Tukie” Hill to win 36-21 at Ripley last Friday.
Starting QB Jo Gray missed the game with a bad hamstring, but Hill stepped in and rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown while leading the offense to the win.
“Tukie was calm and did a great job running the offense,” Calhoun City Head Coach Perry Liles said. “We have a lot of confidence in him.”
Parker had another big game for the Wildcats out of the backfield rushing for 178 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 130 yards on the ground and two touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season.
“As a coaching staff, we challenged Keshun to play through fatigue,” Liles said. “He proved to be the player he really can be.”
The Wildcats never trailed in the game, despite having only a 16-14 lead at the half. They pulled away in the second half thanks in part to a pair of long scoring runs by Parker.
Treshon Cooper also came up big on offense in Gray’s absence. He rushed for 67 yards on nine carries. He also had an interception on defense that he returned for a touchdown.
Anfernee Campbell led the defensive effort with 10 tackles. Parker had nine and Davione Hull eight.
Ladarius Spencer recorded a sack and forced a fumble for the Wildcat defense. Oshunte Primer and Jay Bailey both had fumble recoveries.
“The defense played with intensity and never gave up,” Liles said. “Ripley has a great offensive line and scheme. We scored on defense and forced turnovers. We were much improved.”
“As a team we handled what we could control – attitude and effort,” Liles said. “I thought both were tremendous.”
The Wildcats host West Bolivar Friday night.
“We often meet West Bolivar in the playoffs. They have great tradition and are always a challenge,” Liles said. “I invite our fans to turn out and create a playoff atmosphere Friday night.”
