Cambridge Christian (9-0, 4-0) made team history Friday night by winning their first district title and by going undefeated in the regular season, another first. Carrollwood Day (6-3, 3-1) had a strong defensive effort to hold down the high scoring Lancers offense and gave the Patriots a number of opportunities inside their opponent’s territory but Cambridge defense came through for a 21-12 victory.
After receiving the opening kickoff, Carrollwood Day drove 65 yards mainly on the legs of freshman running back Caleb Tate before the Lancers defense stiffened and junior Stephen Walters connected on a 22-yard field goal. On their first play from scrimmage, Cambridge fumbled the ball away on their own 25-yard line but the Lancers defense held and the Patriots missed a 36-yard just wide right. The Lancers then drove 80 yards and scored on an offense fumble recovery in the end zone by sophomore wide receiver Caleb Young to go up 7-3 late in first quarter. Following a CDS punt, Cambridge would drive 57 yards to score on its third possession on a 15-yard scramble by sophomore quarterback Jaylin Jackson to go up 14-3 in second quarter. The Patriots then drove into Lancers territory until junior defensive back J’kobi Reddick intercepted the ball near the goal line. On Cambridge’s next play, senior defensive lineman Corey Shamley tackled the Lancers’ ball carrier in the end zone for a safety to make the score 14-5. Junior returner Nazir Achecar then returned the kick to the Lancers’ 40-yard line and the Patriots scored on a 10-yard touchdown catch by senior wide receiver Cross Tate from freshman quarterback Raymond Woodie with five seconds left in the half to close the gap to 14-12. On the next play, Patriots’ Corey Shamley recovered a Cambridge fumble as the first half came to a close.
Only one score occurred in the second half as both defensive squads played well, Cambridge’s sophomore running back Andrew Cunnningham scored from the 1-yard line to extend lead to 21-12. Lancers’ sophomore linebacker Scott Ater blocked a fourth quarter 39-yard field goal attempt.
Cambridge’s Cunningham had 21 carries for 72 yards and Jaylin Jackson went 8-of-11 for 112 yards and had 15 carries for 54 yards. Defensively, Lancers’ sophomore Richard Gouraige had three quarterback hurries, two tackle-for-losses, and a sack.
Carrollwood Day’s Caleb Tate had 18 carries for 81 yards and Raymond Woodie went 5-of-20 for 51 yards. Patriots’ Corey Shamley had three tackle-for-losses, a fumble recovery, and a safety, Stephen Walters had three tackle-for-losses and a fourth down stop to forced a turnover on downs, and senior Zac Watson-Parcels had a forced fumble that resulted in a Lancers turnover.
On November 13th, Cambridge Christian will host their first-ever playoff game against Northside Christian, while Carrollwood Day will travel to 2A-6 champion Admiral Farragut.