Bartlett, supporting cast shines for Calvary Christian

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November 12, 2009

By Daniel Rigdon / sports writer The Meridian Star Thu Nov 12, 2009, 11:48 PM CST

CLINTON — Every star needs a supporting cast. A cast that will be there to contribute positively and help things run as efficiently as possible.

That is exactly what Calvary quarterback Kyle Koch got plus more Thursday at Robinson-Hale Stadium as the Cougars captured their second MAIS 8-Man state title with a 72-42 win against Tensas Academy. The Cougar offensive line blocked exceptionally well and the receivers executed almost flawlessly. The Calvary defense also came through, forcing four turnovers from the Chiefs.

Senior wide receiver Johnathan Bartlett stepped up and had the game of a lifetime. Bartlett led Calvary in all receiving categories, catching nine passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns. Even more impressive was his four touchdowns came on plays of 30, 52, 66 and 74 yards. The 74-yard touchdown reception came on just the second play of the game.

"He was the big-play guy today," Calvary coach Kirby Newell said. "Pound for pound, he's the hardest-nosed kid I've ever been around. He'll get knocked out and come out for a play or two, but J.B., he's going to give you everything he's got.

"He's salt and pepper. Kyle may be the heart, but he's the salt and pepper."

Added Koch: "Johnathan is probably the best receiver in 8-man. Just to dump it off and for him to 74 yards like at the beginning, it's just plays like that that help us."

The numbers didn't impress Bartlett, though. For the senior, it was just another day at the office.

"I just got open like I needed to, and I did what I had to do to win this football game," Bartlett noted.

Desmond Grayson was another Cougar who had a big impact. This was his first game back after missing several weeks with a broken collarbone. The freshman receiver was in apparent pain throughout the game but was able to haul in eight catches, including a 20-yard touchdown reception. Grayson also delivered arguably the biggest hit of the game on Tensas quarterback J.T. James late in the fourth quarter.

"He wasn't even going to play defense today but in that fourth quarter he came to me and said coach put me in," Newell said of Grayson. "He made some really big sticks."

That's not where the contributions would stop. Corey Holdiness changed the momentum of the game for a Calvary defense that couldn't seem to contain Tensas in the first quarter. Holdiness broke through the Braves line and nailed Tensas quarterback James causing a fumble, which he also recovered with two minutes left in the first half.

"That turnover was huge for us going into half," noted Newell. "It gave us that cushion going into the second half."

The turnover would set up a Cougar score just before half, giving Calvary a 34-22 lead.

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