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MT. ZION -- Calhoun County’s 42-18 victory last week against visiting Gilmer County allowed fourth-year head coach Jeff Goodrich’s Red Devils to start 1-0 for the first time since 2019.
The Red Devils are celebrating homecoming at 7 p.m. today as Richwood rolls into town with CCHS trying to start 2-0 for the first time since 2015.
“They had to put that one behind them and get ready for the next,” Goodrich said Wednesday evening after practice.
“They are in pretty good heads today and that’s where we are trying to keep them. They seem pretty ready.”
The Red Devils completely flipped the score against the Titans from a year ago when they lost 46-20 in Glenville before going down to Richwood and securing a 34-14 triumph.
“We had been getting ready for them pretty well since August started,” admitted Goodrich, who watched signal-caller Trevor Mayle set a school record for the most passes thrown (10) without an incompletion, which was previously held at four by Mike Batten in a 2004 affair versus St. Marys.
“We came in with the mindset out of the gate we were in preparation for Gilmer once we kicked off the season. We were really fortunate (injury-wise). We played four good quarters of ball this past week and were able to get out of it healthy. Hopefully we can keep that going this week and progress into and through the season.”
Mayle, who had 27 carries for 172 stripes, also threw for 123 yards with Chase Schoolcraft (6-69) being his top target.
Rome Riddel added 51 yards rushing on 14 attempts and also had a key 29-yard reception on the Red Devils’ go-ahead touchdown drive in the first quarter.
Mayle not only finished with four rushing touchdowns, but he had two interceptions and converted all six of his extra point attempts. That tied the school record which is also shared by Neto Delicato in 1991 and Nick Whytsell in 2007.
“They have a few really good skill kids you can tell on film,” Goodrich said of Richwood. “We got be prepared for them and not let anything get outside of us. We can’t afford to give up big plays because that’s what they are aiming for.
“They will be in four and five wide most of the game, so our linebackers and secondary need to be on top of their game and covering where they are supposed to. The defensive line needs to keep pressure and make sure they contain the quarterback.”
Schoolcraft added a pair of touchdown runs in the victory and also joined teammate Lance Grogg with an interception as the Red Devils played turnover free ball.
“He had a very good breakout game for being a sophomore,” Goodrich said of Mayle. “Managed it very well, which we kind of expected him to because he is a really smart individual.
“He stayed calm most of the game, didn’t let the moment get the best of him and ended up showing a lot about his composure and leadership that he has.”
Goodrich also was more than pleased with the defensive effort from his team.
“We put a really good game together,” admitted the coach, who got 14 total tackles from Ezra Anderson. “Of course, whenever you intercept somebody four times that definitely helps in the stat column and what you are trying to do in a game.
“Up front we were able to keep pressure and we didn’t let them really break any substantial plays that kind of deflate teams. We were a little bit of a bend but don’t break, but they did their job pretty well last Friday.”
Calhoun County is trying to continue its momentum from week one and if they can solve the Lumberjacks for a second straight season they will head to Elizabeth next Friday night in hopes of snapping a five-game losing streak to Wirt County.
“Hopefully everything with it goes well and the kids enjoy it, but hopefully not too much and have themselves worn down going into the game,” Goodrich added of homecoming. “The kids are pretty excited that’s (2-0) a possibility. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to do that. Trying to get over that hump as a team and a program.
“It means a lot for what we are trying to do and accomplish. We’re hoping that we can get there this week. The goal each week is to win the week. We’re hoping we’re able to come out and do that again this week and not take anybody lightly or for granted, and get guys out of there healthy again and hope we come out with a win.”
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com