Can we say back to back state titles in football also??

CC easily extends league winning streak

By SAM KING • sking@jconline.com • September 4, 2010
MICHIGANTOWN -- In its final Hoosier Heartland Conference season, Central Catholic wanted to send the message that it is the team to beat.

The Class A No. 1 Knights made that statement soundly Friday night with a 48-0 victory at Clinton Central. It is the 26th straight HHC football victory for the Knights dating back to Sept. 2003.

Behind three touchdowns from sophomore Brad Schrader and a defense that allowed just 52 yards, the Knights buried the Bulldogs in a 41-0 halftime hole in a game where several key players returned from suspension.

"This is the last time we are going to be in this conference, so you've got to come out there and make a statement," Schrader said.

Clinton Central gained just two first downs -- the first with 10 seconds left in the first half -- and had 50 rushing yards on 33 carries (1.5 yards per carry).

"I thought our defensive coaching staff did a good job of taking away what three or four of their base plays were and tried to make them beat us with something different," CC coach Kevin O'Shea said. "We tried to take away some of their speed and their little toss play they like to do with (Cody) Cannaday.

"We were able to get our speed to their speed and make some plays."

Jake Churchill scored on a reverse from 38 yards on CC's fourth play, then booted the extra point in what would be a good night on the ground for the Knights (3-0).

"Usually, our mission is to get going fast and try to score, and we got up early and tried to capitalize on every drive we could," said Danny Anthrop, who has not played in the second half this season as CC has outscored opponents 168-6.

Schrader scored on two 20-yard runs and also got into the end zone on an 8-yard screen pass. Austin Munn and Sam Kochert also scored rushing touchdowns.

The Bulldogs only kept two punts inbounds all night. One was downed in the fourth quarter when CC didn't put a returner back. The second was caught on the sideline by Anthrop, who dashed and darted his way to a 46-yard touchdown return.

Including last year's semistate loss to Fountain Central, Clinton Central (0-3) has given up at least 41 points in four straight games. The Bulldogs have been outscored 131-16 in three games this season.

Central Catholic has scored at least 47 points in seven consecutive games, while compiling 18 straight victories and 17 regular season wins in a row.

Schrader and Anthrop each had 45 yards to lead a CC attack that gained 228 yards on the ground. Munn completed 9 of 12 passes for 87 yards.

Jade Crum rushed 12 times for 22 yards to lead the Bulldogs, who are 0-3 for the first time since 1995.