Don’t forget about Chambers. Cougars defense points way to big win over Hickory Ridge

In Friday’s dominant 42-21 win over Hickory Ridge, Chambers ran up nearly 600 yards on offense. But the difference in the game was the Cougars defense that shut down the Ragin’ Bulls for most of the game.

Chambers led 28-0 at halftime and cruised home in a battle of teams ranked in the top 10 of The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 poll..

Chambers’ defense was swarming in the Hickory Ridge backfield all game. The Cougars sacked quarterback Caden Haywood four times and got several tackles for loss. The Cougars only got one takeaway, and linebacker Jordan Thompson recovered that one in the end zone.

“We just went with the game plan from (defensive) coach (Dre) Cannon,” Thompson said. “We know they like to pass the ball to certain receivers and try to run the ball, so we just stuck to the game plan and played with a lot of energy and intensity.”

Thompson gave credit to his defensive end for getting the strip sack which led to the fumble recovery for the touchdown.

“My defensive end, Jackson Bass, got the strip sack, and I was able to pick it up,” Thompson said.

To hold a team with an offense like Hickory Ridge scoreless in the first half takes a special game plan, and Cannon drew up a good one for this game.

“We just challenged the kids to come out and play fast and physical,” Cannon said. “I thought we did that the first and second quarters; in the second we kind of got away from it a little bit and our guys got a little winded, but for the most part we executed.”

Cannon also spoke about the high-level performance of his linebacker, Thompson, and his contributions to the game.

“I think he (Thompson) is the best linebacker in the state of North Carolina,” Cannon said. “I could be a little biased but I am pretty sure he fits the bill. He is fast, physical, he can cover slot receivers. He does everything for us.”

All of the Cougars’ highlights didn’t come on defense. In fact, 18 of them came from junior running back Braylon Vinson, who finished a game with more than 100 yards rushing.

“Once again, my (offensive) line,” Vinson said. “I am nothing without them at all. On some of the other runs, I was just seeing the holes, getting what I could take, and just trying to get as many yards as I could get. Coach talks about three to four yards a carry, so I was just trying to get at it.”

Three Who Made a Difference

Jordan Thompson, Chambers: The linebacker, as his defensive coordinator mentioned, “does it all.” He was all over the field on defense as he is most games getting several tackles, a few coming for a loss. His biggest play of the night came when he found himself in the endzone after having recovered a Hickory Ridge fumble.

Braylon Vinson, Chambers: The junior running back has seemed to find a comfortable spot in the Cougar backfield rushing for more than 100 yards and hauling in a 45-yard catch and run as well. His vision is remarkable, making timely cuts to find open holes his line creates for him.

Dre Cannon, Chambers Defensive Coordinator: Cannon drew up a terrific game plan for this game. He was humble in his approach after the game, but to be able to stimy the threat of Christian Hamilton on the Hickory Ridge offense is something special. His plan worked well and seemed to have worked better than in years past.

Worth Mentioning

▪ Hickory Ridge tried to make a late push, cutting the score to 35-14 before Braylon Vinson broke off a 43-yard touchdown rush to all but officially put the game to bed.

▪ Chambers scored the first 35 points of the game and held the Ragin’ Bulls’ passing attack in check for the majority of the game.

▪ The Cougars seemed to be testing out two different kickers in this game as the two would alternate every extra point attempt.

Summary

Chambers: 7 14 14 7 – 42

Hickory Ridge: 0 0 7 14 – 21

C - Braylon Vinson 9 rush (Pedro Martinez kick)

C - Anshon Camp 6 rush (Jerimiah Harrison kick)

C - Vinson 5 rush (Martinez kick)

C - Camp 1 rush (Harrison kick)

C - Fumble recovery score by Jordan Thompson (Martinez kick)

HR - Jordan Wilkes 4 rush (Brandon Bowman kick)

HR - Aaron Carey 2 rush (Bowman kick)

C - Vinson 43 rush (Harrison kick)

HR - Jalen Harris 15 pass from Caden Haywood (Bowman kick)