Cards handle Hargrave for Homecoming

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Cardinals celebrated their homecoming the right way with a big blowout victory over the Hargrave Falcons as they secured their fifth win of the season by a 42-14 margin.

The offense started off somewhat slow for the Cards as they finished the first quarter with their first deficit of the season after a failed two-point conversion. However, it did not take long for Columbus to right the ship on both sides of the ball as they scored twice in the second and third quarters while shutting out the Falcons throughout the same period. Both teams scored a touchdown apiece in the final frame to reach the final margin.

The offense got big production from the school’s newly crowned homecoming king as Ty’Vone Whitehead led the team in total yards with 186 yards and three touchdowns. Whitehead once again showed off his elite speed with several big plays, including a big touchdown run from the 50-yard line. The Cards combined for 243 yards on the ground as five other runners contributed to the total.

The passing attack contributed in a major way as Adam Schobel tossed out three touchdowns with 157 yards through the air. Braylon Fisher led the team in receiving yards with 57 after bringing in a team-leading three catches. Camdon Pitchford shared the reception lead with three of his own, however, two of his catches were for touchdowns as he put up the 40-yard effort in the victory. Elijah Usher brought in a 26-yard catch to score the other touchdown through the air.

The defense had their way with the Falcons as they never allowed Hargrave to gain much momentum and forced two shutout quarters. Jayden Trapp picked up an interception from the defensive line as the Cards applied pressure on the opposing quarterback throughout the game. The Cards also forced another turnover after recovering a forced fumble.

The sub-varsity teams also competed against Hargrave’s sub-varsity teams. The Freshman team fell in a 6-point loss after a 12-6 defeat, while the Junior Varsity squad beat Hargrave’s JV by a 36-7 margin.

After the win, the varsity Cards moved to 5-0 on the season before they host undefeated Madisonville at home on Sept. 29.