From staff reports

The Callaway Cavaliers found out less than a week ago that they were going to open the season against Manchester.

The lack of preparation wasn’t a problem.

In a re-scheduled game against the defending Region 5-AA champions, the Cavaliers answered the bell.

In head coach Greg Moultrie’s first game leading the team, Callaway knocked off the Blue Devils 77-61.

“It was a big win,” Moultrie said. “Especially since we only had a few days to prepare for this game.”

Manchester led Callaway through most of the first half, and held a 31-28 lead at the break.

That’s when the Cavaliers went on a 24-12 run in the third quarter, and coasted to victory in the fourth.

Senior Quantavius Leslie led the team with 23 points, followed by Terrance Jackson with 14.

Quan Bray, D.J. Rutledge and Dominique Smedley also tallied eight points each.

With it being the Cavaliers’ first game under Moultrie, everybody was more than ready to get on the court.

“We were anxious to get out there,” Moultrie said. “I was proud of the guys. They didn’t quit and the believed in my system.”

While the boys pulled out the big win, the Lady Cavaliers lost 60-21 in new head coach Michael Fannin’s debut.

Callaway was plagued with turnovers, and Fannin said the girls “got away from what we practice every day.”

“I’ve got to give credit to Manchester,” Fannin said. “They did what they needed to.”

Rebecca Jones led the Lady Cavs with seven points.

The Cavaliers will be on the road again Friday against Lamar County.