Ben’s Ford Christian School looked to be in midseason form Aug. 14 at its jamboree in a 20-0 victory over Salem.
The jamboree, which featured nine teams, was a pair of 12-minute halves. Punts were not rushed, and the next drive began where the ball was caught, fielded or rolled to a stop.
There were no kickoffs. Teams began the half or the drive after a score at the 30-yard line.
Things began on a high note for the Eagles. Salem began the game with a speed sweep that Ben’s Ford stopped for a four-yard loss. On the next play, the Eagles forced a fumble, and Chad New pounced on the loose ball, setting his team up at Salem’s 26 just 43 seconds into the contest.
Daniel Pittman hit Dionte Fernandez on the first play for 17. Then from the 9, Pittman, who threw three touchdowns, somehow escaped a heavy rush and then located Fernandez in the end zone. Ashton Hines and made the PAT, giving Ben’s Ford a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the opening half.
After the defense forced a three-and-out, the Eagles drove 52 yards in nine plays, and converted a fourth-and-1 along the way. Facing first-and-10 from the 12, Pittman connected with Fernandez for the second touchdown. The PAT was no good, but the Eagles were ahead 13-0 with 6:41 left in the first half.
Salem drove to its 46 before turning it over on downs with 15 seconds on the clock. The Eagles took a knee, ending the half.
“We’ve got kids stepping up all over the place,” Ben’s Ford coach Cole Holden said. “They’re buying into what we’re doing. They’re playing fast. They’re playing physical. I’m proud of them. We’ve just got to keep working and keep progressing, and we can’t get complacent.”
Ben’s Ford punted on the first drive of the second half, and Salem turned it over on downs. After a pair of unsportsmanlike penalties against Salem, the Eagles began their next possession at Salem’s 41. From there, Pittman hit Fernandez for 27. Then Corey Caldwell ran for five more. Pittman then hooked up with Garrett Pounds for two. Then a low snap got past Pittman. The Eagles recovered at thethe 20.
On fourth down, Pittman went back to Pounds in the middle of the field for the touchdown.
Hines was successful on the PAT, finalizing the score at 20-0.
Holden praised Pittman on his play.
“Daniel’s a three-year starter for us,” Holden said. “We’ve got all seniors at the receiver spots and they’ve done a good job. They’ve worked their (tails) off. They’ve wanted it. They’ve stepped up and taken control of the team. The sky’s the limit if we just keep working.”
Also in the game, Pounds recovered a fumble defensively.