Southside and Darnell Cookman were both looking for their first wins on the season. In a league of very strong 2-0 teams, at 0-2 the Knights of Southside and the Vikings of Darnell Cookman may have been overlooked. But there is unmistakable talent on these rosters and it was on display in this game.
Southside was led by Quarterback Steven McCray Jr who had close to 200 yards rushing in the contest. McCray lead the Knights with speed and power, breaking tackles as he ran hard on the afternoon. He drove the Knights down the field for the first score of the afternoon.
One of many strong runs by Steven McCray today for Southside Middle ! pic.twitter.com/MbqKIiE273
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) September 30, 2015
Steven McCray Jr. with the 60yd touchdown run to respond! Southside up 12-6 vs Darnell Cookman pic.twitter.com/5rkysyhu15
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) September 29, 2015
However both teams made plays on this afternoon including #15 for Darnell Cookman Derek Champine. Champine got the ball on a pitch and sprint around the left end like the Flash. Flash might be a good nickname for Champine with his speed and charisma.
Derek Champine ties it up for Darnell Cookman 6-6 vs Southside pic.twitter.com/6Ldpvza5Dh
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) September 29, 2015
But like a Flash Southside responded thanks to McCray Jr. He had an incredible 60 yard touchdown run in which he shrugged off several Vikings defenders on the way to the endzone. McCray Jr. showed deceptively stout power for his small frame in this game. He’s also a basketball player one of the local AAU teams in the area. His father Steven McCray Sr. said during the game, “He’s a tough kid, he’s not going to go down on the first hit”. He certainly showed that attribute in this game.
Steven McCray Jr. with the 60yd touchdown run to respond! Southside up 12-6 vs Darnell Cookman pic.twitter.com/5rkysyhu15
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) September 29, 2015
Cookman tried desperately to rally in the game. They were able to move the ball effectively this game thanks to some nice timing between their Quarterback and receivers. But once Southside’s defense began to key on Champine it was forced them into longer situations on third downs. This made way for #30 LB Devin Kelly to make lots of plays on defense for the Knights. Kelly was all over the field on defense making tackles for loss and big hits at the line of scrimmage. He also plays offense where his late game score put the game out of reach.
#30 Devin Kelly scores a TD for Southside they're up 20-6 over Darnell Cookman! pic.twitter.com/Kk2uhpRJJv
— DuvalSports (@DuvalSports) September 29, 2015
Southside would win 20-12 and goes 1-2 on the the season while Darnell Cookman falls to 0-3. Yet there is optimism there for both teams knowing that they have players that never quit and gives it 100 percent. You would expect nothing less from young men and women who attend such fine schools.
Special Thanks to Darnell Cookaman & Southside Middle for Supporting DuvalSports!
