New year, same result for Calvary Christian.

After defeating Tensas Academy (La.) 64-54 in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools 8-man championship game last year, the Cougars opened the 2009 campaign with a 92-60 home win against the Chiefs.

“There was a big crowd and some big numbers,” Calvary coach Kirby Newell said.

Calvary jumped out to a 20-6 lead after the first quarter and upped its advantage to 46-22 at the half. However, Tensas started to close in the third by outscoring the Cougars 24-22 in the period. With just five minutes remaining, Calvary held just a 14-point lead.

“We needed every point we scored,” Newell said.

Kyle Koch led that scoring outburst, totaling 763 yards of total offense. The senior completed 21 of 33 passes for 553 yards and 10 touchdowns. He added 210 yards rushing on 15 attempts with two more scores.

Cory Holdiness added a three-yard scoring run, while Desmond Grayson rushed for 43 yards on four carries.

Grayson also caught seven passes for 145 yards and three scores. Justin Sylvester had the big night receiving, through, for Calvary. The senior caught six passes — all going for touchdowns — for 211 yards. Johnathan Bartlett hauled in eight passes for 197 yards and a touchdown.

Tensas turned the ball over three times, while Calvary didn’t commit a single turnover, which Newell said was the difference in the game.

After a week off next week, the Cougars host Christian Collegiate on Sept. 11.

— Jamie Wachter



Enterprise 22

Clarkdale 8



Clarkdale jumped out to a quick start Friday at Enterprise, scoring the lone touchdown in the first quarter and turning a bad snap into a two-point conversion pass. However, the homestanding Bulldogs, playing their first game of the season, awoke from there in rallying for their fourth straight win in the rivalry.

Enterprise tied the game by halftime using a safety to pull within 8-2 before reaching the end zone. Enterprise committed four of its five turnovers in the first half. The Bulldogs then added touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Roshawn Johnson led Enterprise with 112 yards rushing.

Enterprise hosts Lake next week, while Clarkdale hosts Union.

— Jamie Wachter



Forest 39

Scott Central 18



Forest grabbed the lead three times Friday night only to see the Rebels knot the score. The fourth time, though, was the charm as the Bearcats pulled away late.

Forest outscored Scott Central 14-0 in the fourth quarter, scoring the last 21 points.

Jimmy Broomfield scored on a 22-yard run to tie the game in the second quarter and then returned a kickoff 85 yards to tie the game 12-12 in the third quarter.

Chris Spicklin, who rushed for a team-high 78 yards on 12 carries, had a 25-yard scoring run to tie the game at 18.

Broomfield completed six of 10 passes for 120 yards, while Dominique Storm hauled in all six completions.

— Jamie Wachter



LATE SOFTBALL

Meridian 15

West Lauderdale 10



The visiting Lady Wildcats scored 13 runs in the first inning Thursday before holding off a West rally.

The Lady Knights scored three in the bottom of the third and fifth, before scoring two runs in the sixth and seventh innings.

Emily Ware earned the win for Meridian, while Lebresha Warren paced the Lady Wildcats offense with a double, home run and two RBIs.

Olivia Taylor doubled and drove in three runs for MHS, while E’Trareo Warren doubled and had two RBIs. Ware, Chelsea Byrd and Heather Reed all had RBIs.

The Lady Wildcats host Starkville on Tuesday, while West visits Northeast Lauderdale.

— Jamie Wachter