Chester County’s Blake Haltom (11) brings down a Memphis East ball carrier during the Eagles’ 53-0 season-opening victory Friday night. Photo by Todd Lewis, Independent
Chester County wasted little time putting last week’s jamboree loss behind it, scoring on every varsity offensive possession in a 53-0 season-opening win over Memphis East.
Isaiah Armstrong opened the scoring with a touchdown run before Heath Stewart reached the end zone on a jet sweep. Armstrong added his second rushing touchdown later in the first quarter.
The Eagles also collected the first of two safeties when a snap sailed over the Memphis East punter’s head and out of the end zone, giving Chester County a 23-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Jay Gilbert added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and another snap over the punter’s head resulted in a second safety. Cayden Crabb then connected with Jaden Weaver for a touchdown in the back corner of the end zone.
Grayson Stewart closed the first-half scoring with a touchdown run, sending the Eagles into halftime with a 46-0 lead.
Chester County turned the offense over to its junior varsity players for the entire second half. Braylon Johnson added the final touchdown on the ground early in the fourth quarter.
Despite the decisive win, Eagles coach Dewond Johnson said he still saw plenty that needs to be corrected.
“Great win. I’m not going to take away from the kids winning,” Johnson said. “They did work hard, and they deserve to win. But we’re going to play a whole lot better opponents than that.”
Johnson said his focus remains on execution, physical play, and eliminating mental mistakes.
“I really believe if we are doing what we’re capable of doing, we are a very good football team,” he said. “But we’ve got to clean it up.”
Johnson was pleased that the younger Eagles took advantage of their opportunity in the second half.
“Anytime they get in and make things happen, I’m always happy with them,” he said. “They scored a touchdown, so overall, I’m glad for our kids.”
Chester County will host Adamsville next week. The Cardinals opened their season with a 49-7 win over Hardin County.
