Ardrey Kell football tops Catawba Ridge behind big night from Chancellor Bryant
If there is one thing for certain when it comes to the Ardrey Kell football team, opponents need to know where Chancellor Bryant is on the field at all times.
Bryant accounted for three touchdowns — one on defense — a week after scoring four times, and put a tight game away with a late score as the Knights (2-2) came away with a 27-14 victory over Catawba Ridge on Friday night in the Patriot Bowl game.
After a first half that saw the only score come from Bryant on a 34-yard touchdown reception from Gavin Adams, the second half saw excitement. Catawba Ridge took its opening drive of the third quarter 11 plays to the Knights’ 36, but on fourth down Bryant intercepted Devin Latimer’s pass at the 15 and the senior went 85 yards nearly untouched for a score and a 13-0 lead.
Bryant picked Latimer off on the next drive and returned the ball 60 yards to the Copperheads 8, leading to a Jake Davids 6-yard TD reception and it looked like Ardrey Kell would cruise.
Ardrey Kell drove to the Catawba Ridge 10 on its next offensive possession. Adams’ attempt at another touchdown pass was picked off by Josh Dobson, who returned it 100 yards for a score.
Catawba Ridge closed to 20-14 with 3:43 left when Latimer capped a 13-play drive with a 38 yard strike to Jordan Gilliam.
Ardrey Kell took over and moved the ball to the Copperheads’ 24 and faced a fourth and long. Rather than try to kick a field goal, the Knights went for it and Adams threw a perfect fade pass to Bryant who reeled the ball in for the clincher with 35 seconds left.
“We put a lot of hard work in this week (after losses to powers Weddington and Marvin Ridge),” Bryant said. “It was a total team win and that last touchdown all the credit goes to Gavin (Adams). He threw a perfect pass.”
The loss is disappointing for Catawba Ridge, but head coach Zac Lendyak took positives from it.
“Resiliency is a good quality to have and these kids have it,” Lendyak said. “We tell the kids these games are 48 minutes for a reason. We didn’t get the result we wanted tonight but we keep up this kind of effort good things are going to happen.”
Three who made a difference
Chancellor Bryant, Ardrey Kell: What didn’t he do?! Caught three passes on offense for 71 yards and two touchdowns including the game-clinching TD with 35 seconds left. Picked off two Catawba Ridge passes, one that he returned 85 yards for another touchdown and had a 40 yard punt return that set up a score.
Jake Davids, Ardrey Kell: Senior running back was a workhorse for the Knights, rushing for 91 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown
Ira Mister, Catawba Ridge: Didn’t have his best game, but ran the ball 22 times for 96 yards, 82 in the second half when the Copperheads made their comeback.
Worth Mentioning
▪ As part of the Patriotism Bowl there were two parachuters who landed at midfield prior to the game. A helicopter also landed at the 50 with special guests Wes Bryant of WFNZ radio, Firebirds Chief Brand Officer Stephen Loftis and Ardrey Kell alum and former basketball star Steven Santa Ana
▪ Catawba Ridge running back Ira Mister came into the game averaging almost 130 yards per game rushing. Ardrey Kell held him to 14 yards in the first half and
▪ Fourth downs turned out to be a big story. Catawba Ridge was 0-for-4 on fourth down plays and Ardrey Kell’s game-clinching touchdown in the final minute was a fourth down play.
What’s next?
Catawba Ridge will stay on the road and play at Chester next Friday night. Ardrey Kell has a bye next week and will play at Cuthbertson on September 22nd.
Scoring Summary
Catawba Ridge 0 0 7 7 — 14
Ardrey Kell 0 7 13 7 — 27
AK — Chancellor Bryant 34 pass from Gavin Adams (Andrew Bontekoe kick)
AK — Bryant 85 interception return (kick failed)
AK — Jake Davids 6 pass from Adams (Bontekoe kick)
CR — Josh Dobson 100 interception return (Camden Gifford kick)
CR — Jordan Gilliam 38 pass from Devin Latimer (Gifford kick)
AK — Bryant 24 pass from Adams (Bontekoe kick)