Cornerstone handles Springwood in state title game rematch

Published 2:40 am Saturday, September 14, 2024

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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

COLUMBIANA – The last time the Cornerstone Christian Chargers faced the Springwood Wildcats, they put on a dominant 66-18 performance on their way to earning their historic first state championship.

Now, after another convincing display, the Chargers might be well on their way to repeating that history.

Cornerstone dominated Springwood 60-12 on Sept. 13 at Cornerstone Christian School for its third straight win over the Wildcats.

The Chargers broke the 60-point threshold for the third time in the first four weeks of the season thanks to 475 yards of total offense.

Leading the way for the defending champions was once again quarterback Zeke Adams as he had a strong day on the ground, taking 16 carries for 288 yards, two touchdowns and five 2-point conversions.

He was also 4-for-7 for 103 yards through the air with two passing touchdowns for four total. Those two touchdown passes were a 38-yard pass to Noah Schober and a 21-yard throw to Hampton Etheredge, and the other two passes went to Seth Dillard for 44 total yards.

Adams also had some help on the ground as both of Cornerstone’s running backs, Cohen Hewitt and Drake Dunning, found the end zone. Dunning had eight carries for 43 yards and a touchdown while Hewitt took five carries for 41 yards, a touchdown and a 2-point conversion.

Just like in the state championship game, it was another strong outing for the defense as well. After entering the game allowing an average of just 7.3 points per game, the Chargers only allowed the Wildcats to score 12 points on the night.

Schober was a big reason why Springwood largely stayed out of the end zone thanks to his three interceptions to go with his six tackles and a defensive touchdown to boot.

Adams and Hampton Etheredge added to their offensive nights with a joint team-high 12 tackles, and Etheredge had a sack as well.

Malachi Adams and Drake Dunning each had seven tackles with Malachi also taking a sack. Landon Alexander ended the night with six tackles and a sack and Dillard broke up two passes and had a pair of tackles.

The special teams got in on the action as well as Schober returned a kickoff 63 yards for a touchdown, giving him a touchdown on offense, defense and special teams.

With the win, Cornerstone moves to 4-0 on the season and is one of two undefeated teams left in AISA Class A play alongside Macon-East Academy. Those two teams will square off on Oct. 18 in the penultimate game of the Chargers’ season.

For now, the Chargers will turn their focus to Southern Prep who they will face at home on Sept. 20.