By MARK WINDHAM/For the Reporter

CALERA — A week after a tough defeat at rival Bibb County, the Calera Eagles bounced back in a big way with a 55-0 victory over visiting Oak Grove.

Calera jumped out early in the game as Tyler Harrell returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown.  Stephen Ellison’s PAT gave Calera a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game.

Calera’s offense got into quick motion after forcing an Oak Grove punt.  Jordan Bishop got the handoff on a reverse and took it 77 yards for a touchdown. Ellison’s PAT gave Calera a 14-0 lead.

The Eagles continued their dominance, as they went 55 yards on three plays for the score. Shakeith Tyes scored on a 48-yard touchdown run up the middle with Ellison’s PAT giving Calera a 21-0 lead to close out the scoring in the first quarter.

The second quarter was a continuation of the first for the Eagles. Tyes added his second rushing touchdown of the night to close out a nine play, 69-yard drive when he scored from 13 yards out to give Calera a 27-0 lead.

Tyes closed out the scoring for the Eagles in the first half on Calera’s next possession with his third touchdown of the night.  Tyes capped off a four play, 54-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.  Ellison once again added the PAT for a 34-0 half-time lead.

Calera wasted little time scoring in the second half as Ronnie Clark found Tyes on a 3-yard touchdown pass.  Ellison PAT helped the Eagles extend their lead to 41-0 less than two minutes into the second half.

Clark helped account for the final two Calera touchdowns of the night.  He first scored on a 44-yard run and then connected with Jordan Bishop on a 33-yard touchdown pass.  Ellison added both PATs as the Eagles sealed the win by a final score of 55-0.

Calera head coach Wiley McKeller said he was happy with his team’s performance.

“It’s tough to come back from an emotional defeat like we had last week,” McKeller said.  “I was proud of the kids the way we responded this week.  We had a really focused week of practice and their hard work paid off.”

Calera was led offensively by Clark, Tyes, and Bishop.  Clark completed 7-of-10 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns and added 81 yards rushing and a touchdown on six carries.  Tyes added 124 yards on nine carries and three touchdowns and a 3-yard touchdown reception.  Bishop contributed 137 yards receiving and a touchdown on six catches and added a 77-yard touchdown run.

The win improves the Eagles to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in region play. Calera returns to action Oct. 25 as the Eagles host Jemison in region play.