MARION, Ky. – In a 42-6 loss against Mayfield Friday when highlights were rare, Crittenden County’s biggest moment went unnoticed by most.
While the event was nothing to change the complexion of the game, it had some personal value. It was worth a new entry in Crittenden County’s football record book. In the fourth period, junior Caden Howard inconspicuously became the team’s career receptions leader. He caught a shovel pass for an eight-yard gain to tie the six-year-old record previously held by Ethan Dossett, then broke it a couple of plays later on a middle screen for a five-yard gainer, giving him 128 receptions. SEE RECORD BOOK.
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| CCHS's defense gets a stop on this play GO HERE FOR MORE GAME PICS |
Mayfield’s dominance was clear from the outset. England powered through Crittenden’s defense with an impressive combination of speed and strength, rushing for 191 yards and three touchdowns. England’s efforts set the tone for a Cardinal team that put the game out of reach by halftime.
Crittenden County's offense struggled to gain traction against Mayfield’s relentless defense. The Rockets were forced to punt six times in the first half and turned the ball over on downs twice. Their best opportunity to score came on their opening drive after recovering an onside kick, starting at Mayfield's 34-yard line. The Rockets pushed into the red zone but were ultimately stopped on fourth down at Mayfield’s four-yard line.
Quarterback Quinn Summers faced constant pressure from Mayfield's pass rush, taking four sacks in the first half alone. Though he completed 13 of 29 passes for 126 yards and one interception, Summers was unable to generate the offense needed to keep pace with the Cardinals.
The lone touchdown for Crittenden County came in the fourth quarter when Brayden Mahnke broke free for a 22-yard run. It was the senior back’s first career touchdown.
Crittenden’s defense, though forcing two fumbles, could not contain Mayfield’s potent attack. In addition to England’s standout performance, quarterback Gray Robbins was effective through the air, completing 9 of 12 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns, including a 23-yard strike to Malik Kirby.
One of the few other bright spots for Crittenden County was CamRon Belcher, who had six catches for 78 yards. In addition to his offensive contributions, Belcher recovered that onside kick to start the game and recorded an interception in the first half, showing his versatility on both sides of the ball.
Despite Mayfield's two fumbles, their offensive efficiency and physical play on defense ensured the game was never in doubt. The Cardinals controlled the pace, and a running clock was initiated just before halftime.
Crittenden County will have to regroup in order to prepare for its final district game of the season next week at Caldwell County. The Rocket loss to Mayfield, their second district loss of the season, will mean a road game for CCHS to start the playoffs in a few weeks. Mayfield will play Murray High next week for the district’s regular-season title. Caldwell lost 35-18 to Murray on Friday. See this week's KHSAA Scoreboard.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Mayfield 14 21 7 0
CCHS 0 0 0 6
SCORING PLAYS
M-Josiah England 12 run (Owen Byrd kick) 5:23, 1st
M-England 49 run (Byrd kick) 3:07, 1st
M-Malik Kirby 23 pass from Gray Robbins (Byrd kick) 9:00, 2nd
M-England 48 run (Byrd kick) 1:29, 2nd
M-Kirby 6 pass from Robbins (Byrd kick) :33, 2nd
M-Reggie Dowell 22 run (Byrd kick) 1:00, 3rd
C-Brayden Mahnke 22 run (bad snap) 7:37, 4th
TEAM TOTALS
First Downs: CCHS 8, MHS 11
Penalties: CCHS 7-65, MHS 7-65
Rushing: CCHS 17-50, MHS 20-251
Passing: CCHS 17-33-1, 147, MHS 9-13-1, 140
Total Yards: CCHS 197, MHS 391
Fumbles/Lost: CCHS 1-0, MHS 2-2
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing
CCHS: Mahnke 7-49, Gaige Markham 2-(-1), Quinn Summers 7-(-8), Conner Poindexter 1-10. MHS: England 12-191, Dowell 4-45, Aubrey Sherrill 1-16, Jace Houston 2-(-9), Robbins 1-8.
Passing
CCHS: Quinn Summers 13-29-1, 126; Conner Poindexter 4-4-0, 21. MHS: Robbins 9-12-1, 140; Jace Houston 0-1-0.
Receiving
CCHS: CamRon Belcher 6-78, Caden Howard 6-41, Tyree McLean 3-13, Brayden Poindexter 1-0, Dakota Sosh 1-15. MHS: Mak Hoover 4-84, Kirby 3-41, Sherrill 1-5, Caden Morris 1-10.
Defense
CamRon Belcher 3 solos, 3 assists, fumble recovery, interception; Blake French 2 los; Brayden Mahnke solo, 2 assists; Tyree McLean 2 solos, 2 assists; Kaiden Travis 3 solos, assist; Braydin Brandsasse 2 solos, fumble recovery; Caden Howard solo, 2 assists; Keegan Pierson 2 solos, caused fumble; Brayden Poindexter 3 solos, assist; Dakota Sosh assist; Trae Taylor 2 assists; Noah Byford 2 solos, fumble recovery; Gaige Markham 3 solos, assist.
Records: CCHS 3-5 (0-2), Mayfield 5-2 (2-0)
