Blake leads Cards past Falkner

There was a lot for coach Darrow Anderson to like about his Potts Camp Cardinals’ season opener.

Atop the list was the play of his quarterback. Josh Blake ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more Thursday as the Cards dominated Falkner 34-6.

“He’s the core of our offense, and he had a big night,” Anderson said.

And he’s a valuable part of the defense, too. Blake intercepted a pass early in the first quarter to swing the momentum Potts Camp’s way. Two plays later, he scored on a 26-yard run. Noe Hernandez kicked the extra point.

The Eagles got their only points of the night with 10:45 to go in the second quarter. Benton Hopkins scored from 1-yard out on a quarterback keeper. The point-after try was no good. “Defensively, we had a solid night,”

Anderson said. “We gave one up there early in the second, and that was it.” Blake answered with a 9-yard carry for six points. Hernandez’s kick made it 14-6 in favor of the Cardinals.

Potts Camp then recovered a squib kick in Falkner territory.

Blake threw to Ryan Jones for a 45yard touchdown. Hernandez’s added the kick.

The Cards were up 21-6 at halftime, and picked up right where they left off to start the second half.

The Blake to Jones connection struck again, this time from 40 yards out. The extra-point attempt was no good. Potts Camp led 27-6 with 5:56 to go in the third.

Peyton Aldridge had an interception on Falkner’s next possession.

The Cardinals’ final score, in the fourth quarter, came on Cody Taylor’s 31-yard run. Hernandez’s kick was good.

“I will certainly take the overall effort of our team,” Coach Anderson said, “and we’re happy to come out with the win.

“I saw a lot of positive things. We were more physical than last year.

“Defensively, we were flying around and hitting people. I saw improvement there.” The Cardinals held the Eagles to just over 100 yards in total offense.

Potts Camp recovered a pair of onside kicks in the win.

“We did an good job on special teams,” Anderson said. “Jeffrey Moore punted the ball well.” This Friday night the Cardinals will host cross-county rival H.W. Byers, a 28-14 winner in week one over Rossville Academy (Tenn.).

“Even though we had a really good effort last week, we have a lot of things to get shined up,” Coach Anderson said.