You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Last Friday night, the Cedar Creek Cougars football team faced an opponent for the first time under new coach Matt Middleton, and they were fairly dominant.
At Jonesboro-Hodge, Creek had the upper hand throughout the evening at storied Caldwell-Peacock Stadium in scrimmage action.
“We played extremely well defensively. We did some good things offensively,” said Middleton. “We made some early mistakes but bounced back. All in all, it was a really good scrimmage.”
For Jed Worthy, it was an exceptional evening – maybe the start of something really big.
He collected two interceptions, one converted into a pick six, and also caught a touchdown pass.
Middleton and staff got a good look at their Cougars on tape and saw plenty to like.
“The front seven defensively played extremely well. Our offensive line played well, especially since it was only the second time since I’ve been here that we’ve gone live,” he said.
“I think we have a chance to be successful. We just have to stay injury-free and grow along each week.”
Cedar Creek is making an offensive adjustment from the school’s traditional approach to a more wide-open attack that will rely much more on the passing game.
“Timing with receivers is a big deal for us,” said Middleton. “We’re still learning how to stretch the field, which hasn’t been done here. It’s been a run-oriented attack for the last several years, so we’re learning to run option routes. Once we figure it out, if we stay healthy, I think we could be electric.”
The Cougars’ first outing earned high marks from their veteran coach, who has been a college offensive coordinator and has plenty of high school head coaching experience.
“I would say defensively we graded a B-plus or an A. Offensively, we were a B-minus,” he said. “Both units have a long way to go, but defensively, we have a chance to be special.”
This Friday night, Cedar Creek heads to Rayville for jamboree action, and will be joined by nearby Lincoln Prep, giving the jam a peachy local flavor.
PHOTO: Cedar Creek sign photo
