PHEBA – The Columbus Christian Academy Rams kickstarted the 2024 season with an offensive fireworks show at Hebron Christian Friday night.
Led by junior quarterback Matthew Benge, the Rams kept their foot on the pedal and recorded four passing touchdowns in CCA’s season-opener. The flashes on offense provided head coach Chris Craven the intel to adapt and continue to preach the importance of improvement to his players each week.
“We did really good for week one but there’s definitely a whole lot of mistakes we have to clean up,” Craven said. “There was just a lot of mental mistakes (and) sometimes it was for the whole offense on one play, and for other times it was the quarterback did this, but they played really well.”
The Rams received the opening kick of the new season and wasted no time driving downfield and finding paydirt. Benge connected with senior wideout Jordan McShane for a 20-yard touchdown for the first score of the year.
From there, it was all Rams.
Benge continued to flash his athletic ability, escaping the pocket on multiple occasions. The junior signal-caller secured a 75-yard rushing touchdown and threw for three additional scores before the game’s conclusion.
“Our quarterback Matthew Benge is a really good athlete and he’s smart,” Craven said following the season-opening victory. “He’s a smart quarterback and we’re so proud to have on our team.”
Along with Benge’s outstanding performance, multiple wideouts for the Rams shined in the contest. McShane hauled in three touchdowns, while junior running back Monn Hill picked up most of the yardage on the ground for the Rams.
CCA’s win over the Eagles is their first victory since 2022, after finishing last season with a record of 0-10. The Rams have not recorded a winning season since 2019, which is something Craven and company will look to rewrite this season.
Starting the season with a win is always great for momentum, but the challenges that lie ahead will certainly test the team. Craven’s motto he has preached to the team throughout offseason training is continuing to have a “Never quit attitude.”
That is a mindset that will carry a team a long way, especially in the unique eight-man football division. The supporting cast of talented athletes that fill the roster can rewrite history for the Rams this season.
CCA will return home Friday to face the Calhoun Academy Cougars. The Cougars dropped their first game of the 2024 season to DeSoto High School by a score of 50-8. Calhoun Academy currently leads the Rams with a 3-2 all-time record.
Heading into another week of MAIS football, Craven and the Rams are looking to compete and improve each week to accomplish their goals on the gridiron.
“We have Calhoun Academy next week and they’re going to be a really tough opponent for our guys,” Craven said. “I’ve seen them play before and I know a little bit about them. They have a great coach and a lot of good athletes. They’re strong and disciplined so we have a great challenge next week ahead for us. We’re carrying some good things and as long as we can continue to do the basic things right, we’ll be alright. There’s a lot of things to work on but I’m extremely proud.”
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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 45 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
