"A child shall lead them" - Isaiah 11:6. Perhaps this is the rallying cry for the 2021 Cleburne County Tigers.
Following a difficult second season, Coach Joby Burns had his work cut out for him heading into the offseason. The Tigers' struggles in 2020 included being shut out in five of their final seven games, finishing with 68 total points, the lowest total in school history. Their -194 point differential was the worst in school history.
Friday night, the Tigers hosted #8 Ohatchee (3A) and their All-State Junior QB Eli Ennis. Despite allowing rushing TD on their first two possessions, the defense solidified. Led by #25 Senior lineman Dee Prothro and #52 Coleton McElroy, the defensive line held the Indians to just two more scores the rest of the game.
Sophomore QB #3 Kyler McGrinn converted a 3rd and 16 with a brilliant touch pass to fellow Sophomore #80 WR Greyson Freeman during their first drive. The drive culminated when McGrinn found Freeman, using his 6'5'' frame to fight off a defender, for their first of two TD connections.
McGrinn finished 9-16, 152 passing yds, 3 TD on the day, but his passing isn't his only skill. After playing last season with an undiagnosed injury altering his effectiveness, the Sophomore used his legs also (13 carries, 132 yards rushing, 2 TD). His two rushing TD, followed by another beautiful touch pass for a TD to Greyson, help open a 27-13 halftime lead.
Junior RB #1 Devantae Cantrell, assisted McGrinn's passing skills, running for 132 yards. The pair worked exceptionally well in keeping the defense on their heels.
The season just started for these young Tigers, but their 43-28 victory over Ohatchee is an excellent sign their struggles of last season are a distant memory.