MILTON, GA – Cambridge fell to Creekview 42-7 on a crisp evening on Friday, August 17th. The Bears suffered from a multitude of first quarter miscues.
Creekview defeated the Bears for the seventh year in a row.
"While we have been on the wrong side of the series, they bring a very physical football team each year, and I do think it goes a long way in preparing our guys for what they will see," said Bennett. "With the cycle being a two-year deal, we will play them next year as well and will continue to try to play them in the future."
After Creekview scored on the opening drive, Cambridge came back with an instant connection between sophomores Stratton Tripp and Christian Graham for 18 yards. The very next play, a snap went over Tripp's head and Creekview recovered.
A blocked punt on the next Cambridge drive gave Creekview another score. All of the sudden, the Bears found themselves down 22-0 at the end of the first quarter.
"I still think you can't over react to mistakes," said Bennett. "If we are calm during the "storm", then our kids will be as well. It is all about how you respond, move on, and control what you can control."
The Bears looked much more comfortable the rest of the way, but Creekview continued to play well to the finish.
The Bear defense battled despite difficult situations after turnovers. Many first-time starters made their debuts on defense. Junior linebacker Josh Bodunrin finished with a team-high 8.5 tackles. Juniors Mike Hudson and Kaden Warner each recorded 6.5 tackles.
Despite strong defense, Creekview continued to convert in key situations. The Grizzlies converted 7-of-13 third downs and 1-of-1 fourth down. Creekview balanced the air and ground attack with 193 yards of each to make it difficult for the Bears to adjust.
The Cambridge offense put together solid drives. However, they struggled to push the ball into the end zone.
Tripp completed 11-of-22 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown in his debut. Tripp shows potential to be the most accurate quarterback to ever come through Cambridge.
Coach Bennett showed high praise for junior offensive lineman Billy Judge.
Hayden Gardella and Nick Owens led the charge in the receiving game. Gardella posted five catches for 67 yards, including a diving catch for 34 yards in the third quarter. Owens recorded the only touchdown of the game on a 23-yard dart from Tripp with 7:14 left in the third quarter. Owens shook down the safety on a post route in single coverage.
Sophomore running back Phillip Collins rushed for 57 yards on 17 carries. Collins used a power style of running to get a significant number of yards after contact.
Star receiver Ridge Polk sat out with a hamstring injury. The team hopes to get Polk back in the lineup in the next week or two.
The Bears get a bye week to gear up for a home matchup against Woodstock on August 31st.
"Honestly, we are just going to focus on us. Cleaning up our mistakes as coaches and players," said Bennett. "We want to instill in our guys a more competitive environment every time we walk on the field."
(Photo credit: Emily Selby and Cherokee Tribune)
