After winning 10 straight games to reach the second round of the Class AAA state playoffs, the Cavaliers ran into a juggernaut Friday night in Washington County.
The Golden Hawks (11-1) got a couple of touchdown runs from dynamic running back Jakelo Johnson, and their defense shut down a Callaway offense that had been rolling up huge numbers.
It was, nonetheless, a special season for the Cavaliers, who finished 10-2, won a region championship and made it through to the second round of the state playoffs.
“I’m really proud of our kids. It was a great season at 10-2,” Callaway head coach Pete Wiggins said. “Our seniors did a great job. We’ve got a lot of youth on our football team, so we’re excited about that.”
Washington County’s first touchdown, which came late in the first quarter, was set up by a short punt.
Starting at the Callaway 19-yard line, the Hawks needed just two plays to score, with Johnson taking it in from 10 yards out for the touchdown, and it was a 7-0 game.
After a three-and-out by Callaway, Washington needed just two more plays to score on its ensuing possession.
Quarterback William Walker took off on a 52-yard touchdown run as time expired in the first quarter, and Washington County was up 14-0.
Early in the second quarter, after a nice punt by Chase Freeman, Washington County took over at its own 4-yard line.
The poor field position didn’t slow the Golden Hawks, who marched down the field and scored another touchdown, with Walker throwing a 21-yard scoring pass with 5:43 left in the half to cap a 96-yard drive.
The Cavaliers made it to the Hawks’ 22-yard line late in the half, but they were unable to score, and they trailed 21-0 at the break.
The Cavaliers got the ball first in the third quarter, and they embarked on a nine-minute drive that ultimately ended with a punt.
“It was frustrating,” Wiggins said of the inability to finish drives. “We put together a couple of good drives, and to come away without points, it takes the momentum (away) and they were able to make plays.”
From there, Callaway’s defense hung tough.
Washington County drove it to the 14-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Wilson Lindsey came up with an interception to thwart that scoring chance.
The Hawks did add one final touchdown with 3:46 left in the game on a 5-yard scoring run by Johnson.
“Waco is a great football team,” Wiggins said. “Coach (Joel) Ingram does a great job.”
Washington County advances to the state quarterfinals, while Callaway will soon begin its offseason program.
“I’m really proud for our football team, our coaches and our community,” Wiggins said.
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