Talbdeen McClain rounds the corner in a run against Orange High. Photo courtesy of Kim Ringeisen
By Taylor Sisk and Kirk Ross
Staff Sports Writers
The Carrboro High School football Jaguars took a giant leap forward this past Friday night, scoring early and ending the first quarter tied with the Orange High School Panthers 13-13. Though finding themselves at the losing end of a 80-19 final score at Hillsborough’s Auman Stadium, the Jags nonetheless came out with plenty for which to be encouraged.
Carrboro is now 0-4 overall and 0-4 in the Mid-State 2A/1A conference. Orange moved to 2-2 and 1-0 in the conference.
The Jaguars had yet to take a lead in their short history when they scored on a 31-yard toss from freshman Andy Knapp to Dequan Bradley. Down 13-6 late in the first quarter, the Jags struck again, this time with David Brooks catching a 9-yard pass from another freshman QB, Derek Bryant. The extra point by Simon Stifler tied it at 13 entering the second quarter.
Bryant and Brooks connected again in the fourth for a 44-yard TD.
Brooks finished the game with 95 yards on 13 carries. Bryant threw for 79 yards and Knapp for 42.
Jaguar Head Coach Jason Tudryn said that in today’s “scoreboard society,†Carrboro High fans may be disappointed in the score, but the team is getting better and seeing an increase in interest among the student body.
“We’re growing,†he said. “It’s tough because we’ve got eight kids playing both ways. I’m so proud of the team. They’ve got great courage.â€
Tudryn said the team has grown in numbers as well, reaching 40 players this week. Improving young players’ ability to tackle has been the focus, he said, and while progress has been slow, it’s being made.
“There’s a lot of things that can’t be measured on a scoreboard,†Tudryn said.
The Jaguars take on Cedar Ridge High School at home this Friday. Kick-off is 7:30.
Tudryn said it’s an important game because playing tough against Orange County teams is a major goal.
Cedar Ridge is a significant opponent because the program there is fairly new as well.
“Their coach has been really great to us,†Tudryn said about this week’s rivals. “He understands. He’s been in our shoes.â€