Celina team has yet to allow a point this season

By KEVIN DONALDSON

Horizon Contributor

BYRDSTOWN-The Celina K-8 junior high football team ran its record to 4-0 here last Thursday with a 52-0 win over Pickett County.

The win kept the Junior High Bulldogs perfect on the season, with opponents yet to cross the goal line.  In a couple of those games, the K-8 defense allowed basically no yardage. 

Head coach Marty Maxfield is pleased with his team’s effort so far this season.

“I want to give the Lord the praise for the success we’ve been experiencing this season,” Maxfield said. “I’m very proud of our team this year, and how they represent themselves, the school, and the community on and off the field.  Me and the other coaches are extremely pleased with the focus the team has right now.  

“We’re executing our offensive scheme, and every player is passionate about our defense.  They’re working hard every day to achieve the goals we established for this season,” Maxfield said. “I’m also proud of the fan base that’s been traveling with us.  They are loud and proud, and they are a big factor in how we have been playing.”

Against Pickett, Celina scored five times in the opening quarter to build a 38-0 lead, and found the end zone twice before the offense ever touched the ball.

Quarterback/safety Kamron King intercepted two early Pickett passes and returned them for touchdowns.  The two picks covered 42 and 40 yards.  Matthew Duke ran in the second conversion try and Celina led 14-0 with less than two minutes gone in the first quarter. 

Cornerback Tucker Donaldson intercepted another Pickett pass, and it took only one play for the Jr. Dawgs to score again.  King hit Brogan Maxfield on a 68-yard scoring pass and Duke added another conversion run to make it 22-0 midway through the first period. 

Celina scored two more times in the opening quarter, with King passing to Donaldson for a 15-yard TD and King scoring on a five-yard run.  The second touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery by Aaden Mayberry.  Donaldson and Matthew Stewart added conversion runs to make it 38-0 as the first quarter ended. 

The Jr. Dawgs added single scores in the second and third quarters, as the Celina reserves came in to continue the dominating performance.  Scotty Strong set up the second-quarter score with yet another interception for Celina.  Anakin Vela rambled 48 yards for the score after that pick, with Tate Kerr adding the conversion.  It was 46-0 at intermission. 

Celina added the last touchdown of the game in the third quarter, with Kerr scoring on a six-yard run. 

Earlier contests

Prior to their domination of Pickett County, the Jr. Dawgs also shut out Livingston, Clinton County, KY, and Red Boiling Springs.

Celina…………….6

Livingston……….0

The Bulldogs beat a strong Livingston squad to start the season. They held the ball most of the first half and scored the only points of the game in the second quarter.

Celina stopped Livingston on downs deep in Bulldog territory late to clinch the win. 

Celina……………..50

Clinton Co. (KY)……0

Brogan Maxfield and Matthew Duke had rushing TDs, Zaxtyn York had a pair of receiving scores, while Isaac Dawson had two rushing TDs.

Maysun Johnson, Kamron King, Anakin Vela and Maxfield all had two-point conversions in the big win.  Scotty Strong had an interception return for a touchdown.

The K-8 defense held Clinton County to no net yardage on offense, with no first downs.  

Celina………………38

Red Boiling…………0

The defense continued its strong play, allowing RBS only two first downs. Duke had a receiving TD, while King, York, Duke and Donaldson all recorded scores on the ground.

Maxfield, Strong and Johnson all had two-point conversions. 

Upcoming games

K-8 will travel to Monterey and host Westmoreland and Jackson County on the next three Thursday evenings.  Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Divisional playoffs will be held September 20, with the conference championship game set for September 27.