The Cambridge Varsity Bears started the game with an impressive first series of downs. Freshman JD White led off with a gain on the kickoff return and then obtained a first down. Quarterback Kevin Little found sophomore John Hurst for a 5 yard pass reception. Several more strong plays were made in the first quarter; Senior Ryan Callahan, who had an overall strong game performance, rushed for 7 yards. The Bears made a fumble recovery followed by another 8 yard gain by JD White, but the team couldn't convert into points. To close out the first quarter, coaches opted to play conservatively on 4th down and put in punter Hunter Smith rather than attempt a field goal try with the ball on the 36 yard line. The Bears held the Bulldogs scoreless for the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Bears executed a picture-perfect pass from QB Little to Malik Harris who caught it over the shoulder for a 36 yard play. The Bears later recovered another fumble by the Bulldogs but still failed to score. Forsyth Central broke the game open with a 69 yard run by the quarterback to strike first, before going on to lead 28-0 at the half.
Highlight-worthy tackles by sophomores Garret Walton and Brian Moore to stop touchdown runs weren't enough to shut down the Bulldog team. Little was able to connect three times with freshman receiver Nathan Kish for a total of 40 yards. This included a 20-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter. QB Little also had an 8-yard run for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter.
In the 42-13 loss to Forsyth Central, the Cambridge Head Coach Craig Bennett was frustrated to lose to big brother and Forsyth Central Head Coach, Chris Bennett. Sibling rivalry competition wasn't enough to boost the Bears to a victory. Bears Coach Bennett said "the Bulldogs were a well coached team, and we just have to go back and work another week."
Bears center and junior Drew Dixon epitomizes the relentless determination and heart the coaches are proud to see in much of this first year Bears team. The post-game comment by Assistant Coach T. Wayne Smith has become the mantra of the young Bears, "We will continue to play and try to get better."
Friday, October 19, Cambridge goes up against the leaders of the AAAAA division, sub-region 7A Creekview Grizzlies in Canton. The Grizzlies are 5-1, having lost only to Kell.
