Calhoun City head coach Perry Liles had won seven in a row over the arch rival Bruce Trojans in the Skuna River Rivalry.
Junior running back Brieton Sykes made sure the streak would stay alive, rushing for 221 yards on 10 carries to lead the Wildcats to a 56-16 victory at D.L. Harrison field.
Sykes, who recorded four touchdowns and hauled in two passes for 46 yards, managed to pick off Trojan quarterback Wesley Ross to round out the night.
“I had fun tonight,” Sykes said. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity.” “The offensive line played great and was a big part in the win tonight,” he added.
Wildcat senior quarterback Chakel Gates knows this rivalry well. His dad played at Bruce before transferring to Calhoun City. Gates would run for two scores and throw for another.
“It’s the best feeling, it feels good winning this game,” Gates said. “It is a special game to us and for all of
us to play well, it’s great.”
Calhoun City (7-0, 1-0 division) struck first as Gates hit a streaking Kemon Hall for a 63-yard score. Jordan England kicked the PAT to give the Cats an early 7-0 lead with 8:01 to go in the first quarter. England would end the night a perfect 8-for-8. Following a Sykes 2-yard touchdown, Bruce would drive to the Wildcat 7-yard line. Calhoun City held and forced a Tyler Donovan 23-yard field goal to close the gap 14-3. Bruce would try and mount a comeback, forcing a Gates fumble on the Wildcats ensuing possession. Like all night, the Wildcat defense held. On its next drive, Sykes struck again, scampering 44-yards and another score to give the Cats a 21-3 lead at the half.
The lead would grow in the second half behind Sykes and Gates. The duo accounted for four touchdowns, all on the ground, to keep the Skuna River Rivalry Trophy in Calhoun City.
The Trojans (2-5, 0-1 division) would find the end zone when Jamar Brown scored from 21-yards out.
“Bruce always plays hard and this win means a lot to us,” Wildcat head coach Perry Liles said. As for Brieton Sykes, Liles is glad he’s at running back now. “I originally had him at wide receiver.” “It’s easy to see where he belongs, as the last two weeks, he’s been great,” Liles added. “I’m really proud of these kids.”
Calhoun City will travel and face East Webster next week, while the Trojans will host Eupora, all in division play.
In other Friday action:
Biggersville, 20, Vardaman 14
Briarfield 52, Calhoun Aademy 36
