By CHRIS MEGGINSON / For The Reporter

COLUMBIANA – Hosting the defending state champions is no simple task, but Cornerstone Christian started Friday’s game as if it was up to the challenge. The Chargers (0-3), playing at home for the first time this season, held the Abbeville Christian offense scoreless in the opening quarter, but the Generals made up for it in the 33-6 win.

Abbeville’s first points came on a special teams miscue when a CCS muffed punt was recovered in the end zone to give the Generals a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. More miscues came later when Cornerstone fumbled in their red zone and also had a 3-yard punt from its 10-yard-line, both helping to allow Abbeville points.

Cornerstone added a new wrinkle on offense this week, going with a two-quarterback-system. Freshman Quad Brown joined started Tyler McNamee in the mix Friday. The duo combined for 188 yards passing to counter the lack of a Cornerstone run game, according to CCS coach Tim Smith.

“Quad’s been working and has done everything we’ve asked. We thought we’d give him a shot. We rotated them in and out, and it worked really well,” Smith said. “It’s not that Tyler has done anything wrong, it was just a nice change of pace.”

Brown led the Chargers’ offense in his debut, completing 5-of-17 passes for 109 yards and adding 11 yards on seven carries. McNamee was 9-of-17 passing for 79 yards and a 6-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown pass to JoJo Joiner.

Cade Adams and Michael Norwood led the Chargers’ defense with five tackles each, while Norwood added a forced fumble. Chase Kitchens and Joiner each recovered fumbles.

Despite the loss, Smith feels the team is improving each week. It showed a bit by holding Abbeville to a season-low 33 points and the fewest offensive points allowed this season by the Chargers.

“The kids are playing hard for us. It’s frustrating we’re not getting the W. Our schedule’s been tough, but they work hard and didn’t quit tonight. We’re going to fix it,” Smith said.

Cornerstone remains home Friday, Sept. 18 to host the Springwood Wildcats (2-1).