KEY PLAY
Midway through the first quarter, Ripley owned a 7-0 lead thanks to a game-opening 66-yard drive that covered nine plays. But it was a quick strike from quarterback Tucker Childers to wide receiver Isaih Howard on Ripley’s second possession that set the tone, as the Tigers flashed big-play ability that dominated the game. The pass from Childers to Howard covered 35 yards, and was the first of five touchdown passes for the junior quarterback. All five of those scores covered 28 yards or more.
KEY DRIVE
Trailing 27-0 late in the first half, Caledonia needed something to hang its hat on entering halftime. The Confederates scored the points they needed thanks to a 16-play, 67-yard touchdown march. The drive started with 5 minutes, 37 seconds left in the half and ended with a 6-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Spencer Unruh to wide receiver Ian Hartmann.
TURNING POINT
After ending the first half with a strong drive, Caledonia appeared to pick up right where it left off to start the second half. The Confederates took the ball at their 30-yard line and took nearly six minutes off the clock while driving the length of the field. But after setting up first-and-goal, Ripley forced two incompletions to end Caledonia’s drive.
UNSUNG HERO
There haven’t been many Caledonia games this season where tailback Brandon Henry was unsung, but his trip to Ripley fit that bill. Caledonia’s driving force offensively this season with more than 1,700 yards rushing, Henry was stifled early and rushed for 4 yards on three carries in the first half. But as the game wore on, Henry got better, rushing for 112 yards on 12 carries in the second half. That included a 60-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, the last touchdown run of his prep career.
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Sophomore quarterback Spencer Unruh showed glimpses of things to come at Caledonia, completing 17 passes for 121 yards. More importantly, when the Confederates trailed late in the first half and early in the second, Unruh and receivers Hartmann and Cole Gullette showed great cohesiveness. Hartmann had a game-high seven catches, and Gullette added four.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
