By WILL CARTER ~ For the T-G
WARTRACE — After suffering a loss to the Forrest Rockets last week, the Cascade Champions returned to the win column with a 22-14 victory over Jo Byrns on homecoming, but the Red Devils did not go down without a fight.
The Champions (7-1) controlled the ball for the majority of the first half Friday night, producing 85 rushing yards and 57 passing yards with a pair of touchdowns from the legs and arm of Ryan Inmon.
The Red Devils (3-5) struck early in the first quarter on a 39-yard run by quarterback Ryan Dowlen, but the Champions’ defense held strong, allowing only seven yards the remainder of the first half.
Homecoming celebrations took place at The Stable before kickoff, but the Champs were able to focus on the task at hand once the first whistle sounded.
“Bouncing back from last week with a win is huge. It’s a big distraction with it being homecoming, but the guys battled through it and bounced back,” Cascade coach Jake Tyre said.
Momentum carried into the second half for the Champions on a healthy kickoff return by Taylor Dowell deep into the Red Devils’ territory.
A few handoffs and keepers later, Inmon crossed the goal line for his second rushing touchdown of the game giving the Champs a 22-8 lead.
Right when it seemed the Champions would run away with the win, turnovers started piling up.
Inmon threw his only interception of the game after Taylor Dowell came away with an interception in the Champs’ favor.
On the ensuing Cascade drive, Inmon broke loose up the middle before coughing up the ball for his second turnover of the game.
But the Cascade defense battled all night, giving up only six points off turnovers and totaling five sacks.
“The defense played lights out. We gave away too many opportunities, and the defense held strong for us,” Tyre said.
With the win, the Champions end their non-region schedule before making a trip to Loretto next Friday for a Region 5-AA contest with the Mustangs who are (0-3) in region play so far this season.
“It’s a huge region game. Our goal is still out there for the taking, so we just gotta come out and do it,” Tyre said.
Cascade 14 0 8 0 — 22
Jo Byrns 8 0 6 0 — 14
First Quarter
J — Ryan Dowlen 39 run (2-pt. good)
C — Ryan Inmon 6 run, (kick failed)
C — Inmon 22 pass to Hayden Dowell (Inmon 2-pt. run)
Third Quarter
C — Inmon 4 run, (Connor Huie 2-pt. run).
J — Dowlen 25 pass to Antwuan Lucas (2-pt. pass failed).
