Has Chambers found its stride just as the playoffs approach? Cougars think they’re ready
In what was arguably the most anticipated game of the season for Chambers and Mallard Creek fans, the Cougars came out and made a statement.
That statement was, simply, that they are ready to make a push for their fifth state championship. Chambers led 20-6 at halftime and won 27-13.
“I thought it was a well played game,” head coach Brandon Wiggins said. “The guys came out here and balled hard. We set the tone both offensively and defensively and just executed. We didn’t turn the ball over and I think they had three or four. That is just the name of the game, whoever makes the least mistakes (will win).”
Mallard Creek had not given up double-digit points to an opponent in well over a month, dating back to their 20-13 win over South Carolina power Gaffney.
Chambers, which appeared to struggle at times on the offensive side of the ball, looked a lot different with four-star N.C. State commit K.C. Conception back healthy and ready for a playoff push.
“That was an amazing team win,” Conception said. “The team played great overall; offense, defense, special teams, everybody played great.”
Conception, albeit proud of the team’s performance overall, was quick to say a few things he felt his squad needed to clean up before next week in the playoffs.
“Coming out in the second half we were a little slow,” Conception said. “We started to pick it back up, so really it’s just execution.”
Once again, the rugged Cougar defense stood tall in a game where Mallard Creek had their opportunities in Chambers’ territory. Chambers came away with several key turnovers with the Mavericks threatening to score.
One turnover came late in the first half when the Mavericks had the ball on the Cougar 40. Jordan Thompson was able to generate pressure, and the Cougars managed to force a fumble, returning to the Mavericks 7.
The next key turnover came when the Cougars held a 20-13 lead in the third quarter. The Mavericks had put together an excellent drive, moving the ball down inside the Chambers’ 15. This one probably decided the game.
Defensive Coordinator Dre Cannon was complimentary of his guys, especially linebacker Jordan Thompson.
“(Jordan) is the captain,” Cannon said. “He just brings it every play. He does everything we ask of him every play. He is always in the weight room working his tail off, and it shows on the field every Friday night.”
While he was enjoying the win – obviously – Cannon was also quick to be his unit’s biggest critic. He knows there is work to be done if they want to win a state championship.
“We have to clean up on penalties,” Cannon emphasized. “We have to play better against the run. We have to tackle better too. I felt like we tackled poorly in some spots as well, we were slinging guys around instead of putting out pads on them. We have to get better at that.”