Cedar Shoals blown out 42-3 in Classic City Championship

On Aug. 15, 2024, the Cedar Shoals Jaguars were bested by the Clarke Central Gladiators 42-3 in the 58th Classic City Championship. The Jaguars were unable to produce with key senior quarterback AJ Hubbard, wide receiver Devin Hester and offensive lineman Jose Balver-Mendoza all graduating last May. The Gladiators, despite losing their previous quarterback Chase Berrong, still retained a pivotal player in senior running back Corey Watkins Jr. In addition, the transfers of quarterback Hezekiah Millender and tight end Tyrell Husband, both from the same Arizona high school, played a pivotal role in the Gladiators’ victory. 

“I feel like we had good effort, but the pride wasn’t there,” senior offensive lineman Timothy Gresham said.

The game began with a red zone pass from QB Millender to TE Xayvian Berry for the Gladiators. A field goal by Jaguar senior kicker Damon Davis led to a close score of 7-3. However, this would not last, as Central went on to score five touchdowns on their first five drives and Cedar went silent offensively. By the end of the first half, the score was 42-3. Partially due to a running clock during the whole second half, no points were scored between either team.

Despite jeering comments from the Central stands, the Jags were unbothered by the crowds and their insults, focusing mainly on the game itself.

“We [aren’t] trying to worry about anything outside the 20 [yard-line]. We don’t. We block that out. We call it outside noise. We try to focus on what we control, and that’s what’s on the field,” head coach Leroy Ryals said.
The Jaguars’ next game will be away against the Monroe Area Hurricanes on Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets will be available for $8 on GoFan.