Cedar Shoals blanks Walnut Grove to clinch home playoff game
The final regular season game of the 2018 football season for Cedar Shoals came with a prize this year: a chance for a home playoff game.
Cedar Shoals ended the regular season on a high note with a 45-0 win against Walnut Grove to clinch their first home playoff game since 2002.
“I kinda feel like it’s about time. We’re getting in stride in the knick or time because this is the time of season where we should hit stride,” said Coach Leroy Ryals.
Quarterback senior KiYonnice Smith notched his third 100-yard passing game, completing 8 of 11 attempts for 113 yards and one touchdown.
Senior running backs Osiris Walker and Devontaye Bankston have been the main sources of offense along with Smith. Walker ran 12 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns, and Bankston ran 11 times for 84 yards. Smith added 78 yards and two touchdowns combining for 267 all purpose yards.
“We’re gonna need it to be successful next week. We need the same kind of production from all types of offense. We need to balance the pass and run because we’re gonna play better competition, and everyone in the playoffs can play,” said Ryals
Cedar will face the Lithonia Bulldogs who went 6-4 on the season. This game will be the Jaguars seconded straight playoff appearance after losing to Rome in 2017.
“The team has very good energy and we’re looking forward to getting farther than last year,” said junior wide receiver Jaiden Williams.
Lithonia racked up 774 rushing yards behind sophomore running back Shawn Morris’ 391 yards and four touchdowns alone. Junior quarterback Seoul Newton threw for 266 yards with a .475 completion percentage on the season with four touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Jaguars defense has average allowed 14.4 points on the defensive side and has totaled up nine interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. That kind of defensive effort will be necessary to advance on Friday night.
“Try to make them play behind the stick and stop them from running the ball,” said Williams
