The Kell Longhorns’ physical play was too much for South Paulding in this game. The Longhorns started the game looking to make a statement, trying to return the opening kickoff. Unfortunately, Jowell Combay was a shoestring tackled, but gave the Longhorns great field possession for them to score first in this game on a Moonie Gipson rushing touchdown.
The Spartans’ offense was slowed down by the Longhorns’ physical defense, led by Alex Jean, and the Longhorns defense played much of the game on South Paulding’s offensive side of the line of scrimmage, making it impossible for them to rush the ball. When South Paulding had success running an up-tempo style offense, the Spartan receivers dropped passes that would have kept their offense moving the ball down the field.
The Longhorns’ offensive playmakers, running back Moonie Gipson, tight end Brayden Rouse, and quarterback Kaleb Narcisse, were on full display, scoring 21 unanswered points in the first quarter. Gipson scored the Longhorns’ first rushing touchdown of the game on their opening drive and scored his second on a pass reception from Kaleb Narcisse, making the score 14-0. Brayden Rouse caught Narcisse’s second touchdown pass of the night, increasing their lead to 21-0.
South Paulding special teams kick return specialist, Canyon Carter’s 97-yard touchdown kickoff return scored the Spartans’ first points of the game. However, the Longhorns’ defense continued to prevent the Spartans’ offense from establishing its rushing attack.
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The Spartans’ defensive back C.J. Mathis was able to force a fumble by Longhorns quarterback Narcisse, who was running towards the goal line to score another touchdown, which Joziah James recovered. The Spartans’ coaching staff tried to take advantage of the turnover, attempting to gain a first down on 4th and 8 on their end of the field, but turned the ball over on downs, giving the Longhorns great field position. The Longhorns quarterback Narcisse threw a touchdown pass to Brayden Rouse, making the score 28-7.
The Longhorns scored another touchdown before the end of the first half, making the score 34-7. The Longhorns scored 10 points in the third quarter, increasing their lead to 44-7, with a field goal and another Moonie Gipson rushing touchdown. Gipson rushed the ball for 194 yards in the game, and Kaleb Narcisse threw four touchdowns on 13-18 for 149 yards in the game.
South Paulding scored 14 points in the 4th quarter, ending the game with the final score 44-21 in this year’s Corkey Kell & Dave Hunter Classic.