By NEAL EMBRY / Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – After winning their first game of the season by way of forfeit a week ago, the Cornerstone Chargers made a statement on the field Friday, Oct. 30, with a 34-7 over the Southern Academy Cougars.

Before the game, coach Tim Smith, who also serves as Cornerstone’s baseball coach and athletic director, was honored on the field for his recent induction into the AISA Hall of Fame. The field was renamed in Smith’s honor.

“It’s about the kids who played here before, that’s not about me,” Smith said. “I’ve just been fortunate enough to be the one at the wheel.”

The Cougars struck first early in the game, but the Chargers answered back a few drives later with a touchdown from Logan Tucker, who finished with three touchdowns in the game.

Jeffrey Odgers scored Cornerstone’s second touchdown of the night, catching a pass from quarterback Quad Brown, putting the Chargers on top 12-7.

The play of the game came halfway through the second quarter. Tyler McNamee found Odgers for a 15-yard gain, but Odgers lateraled the ball to Tucker, who scored from 42-yards out.

Southern’s defense kept them in the game, forcing several turnovers. Cornerstone also had three touchdowns called back due to penalties, allowing Southern to remain within striking distance for the first three quarters.

However, the Cougar offense was unable to take advantage of offensive opportunities, turning the ball over three times.

The Chargers finished off the scoring with two fourth-quarter scores, including a nice run from Mike Norwood, who broke away from five or six Southern defenders to score on a 42-yard run.

“It’s about time,” Smith said. “They finally put it all together, they played hard.”

Cornerstone will play in the first round of the AISA playoffs Friday, Nov. 6.