STEENS – The zigzag-and-run technique seemed to have been the key to success for Columbus Christian Academy’s 62-8 blowout win against Kemper Academy.

It was a night straight out of the movies for CCA; light pink skies with temperatures in the low 70s, homecoming and the highlight of the night, a CCA Rams win to continue their undefeated season. Up until the last 15 seconds, CCA was the only team to put points up on the board.

CCA started the game with an immediate rush to gain yardage to Kemper’s 17-yard line. Senior quarterback Matthew Benge used this momentum to find himself in the end zone for the first touchdown of the night. Of course, scoring touchdowns is nothing new for the senior signal caller.

“I mean, I average four to six touchdowns each week, so it’s the standard at this point,” Benge said.

Kemper fumbled the resulting kickoff allowing Benge to scoop it up and give possession back to the Rams. Imonn Hill then zig-zagged through the center of the line for another six points for his team. Hill, a senior running back, scored three of CCA’s seven touchdowns.

“It’s confidence man,” Hill said. “Never let down, all gas no breaks.”

Defensively, CCA put a stop to any meaningful gains for Kemper. Their one meaningful drive snuffed out by a Michael Bandre strip-sack on the Kemper 40-yard line. CCA’s defense held strong until the very end before allowing a touchdown in garbage time.

Head Coach Marcus Davidson is proud of what his defense has been putting out there, but there is no success without practice.

“Fundamentals, we teach a lot of fundamentals and drills on alignment and assignment,” Davidson said.

The Rams were coming off of a win against Delta Streets Academy in which they gave up 38 points, and, for Davidson, that was unacceptable.

“That’s the most we gave up all year long and that didn’t sit well with me this past week, so we worked on it this week playing really hard defense,” Davidson said.

Hill had two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter along with Benge’s solo touchdown. Heading into halftime, Hill completed a 50-yard rushing touchdown to leave the first half with a 38-0 lead. The adrenaline rush from his score followed into the locker room with one sole message.

“Just get it,” Hill said.

Benge scored his third touchdown of the night in the third quarter and the defense recovered a fumble in their end zone for another six points. The second half was a running clock and CCA did not take that for granted.

David Easterling scored the seventh and final touchdown of the night, concluding the 62 points scored by CCA. Kemper finally got on the scoreboard with 15 seconds left as Tallyn Moulds scored their only touchdown of the game. Despite losing the shutout, Davidson was proud of what he saw from his team.

“Not even just tonight, but their commitment to one another and their team unity and continued dedication and leadership, not only for each other, but for the school and everybody in the area,” Davidson said.

Columbus Christian Academy remains undefeated this season with a 6-0 record. The Rams will head to Calhoun Academy on Friday.