Aug 16
HIGH POINT – A strong offensive performance helped High Point Christian start its season on a positive note.
The Cougars scored 30 points in the first half, totaled over 350 yards for the game and overwhelmed Commonwealth High School 45-0 in nonconference football Friday night at the High Point Athletic Complex.
“I think offensively we did a lot of good things, but defensively we gave up too many broken plays, too many yards,” HPCA coach Scott Bell said. “We should’ve had four, five, six interceptions and didn’t have any, and we had some key penalties that continued drives for them.
“So, we have a little work to do. I was a little surprised coming out of last week’s jamboree. Our defense really played strong, while our offense was a little bit behind. But tonight it kind of turned things around.”
Luke Homol completed 12 of 17 passes for 206 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Cougars (1-0), who took their first play from scrimmage deep into opposing territory on a 41-yard run by Wistar Allen to set the tone for the game.
John Saunders Jr. made six catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns, while Brycen Thomas had five catches for 95 yards and one touchdown. Allen finished with three carries for 53 yards to lead the running game as HPCA totaled 356 yards – including 223 through the air.
Pedro Moreno also scored two touchdowns – one rushing, one receiving. On defense, Chase Cox recorded 14 tackles, while Wistar Allen had 12 tackles and two sacks and Colby Cox had eight tackles.
“We have a lot of weapons,” Bell said. “We have quite a few good skill guys, and Luke Homol does a great job at quarterback. Our offensive line protected well – they were bringing a lot of blitzes on us. We’ve got work to do, but I’m pleased with our offense and, for the most part, our special teams.”
The Cougars, taking advantage of early woes by the Bulls (0-1) that largely kept them in their own territory, scored on four of their five possessions during the first half – including a 70-yard strike to Thomas and an 18-yard toss to Moreno – to lead 30-0 at halftime.
HPCA tacked on a score in each of the third and fourth quarters – including a 10-yard touchdown pass by Gavin Kuld – as Commonwealth, which totaled 166 yards for the game, struggled with 17 consecutive incomplete passes that included several the Cougars nearly intercepted.
“Defensively we’ve got to get a little better,” Bell said. “We’ve got to work on keeping contain defensively. Some of our guys are flying up the field and they’re cutting back underneath us. So, we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our job, staying disciplined and playing sound football.”
HPCA will play again Friday at home against the Cabarrus Warriors.
@HPEmichael
HP CHRISTIAN 45, COMMONWEALTH 0
CHS 0 0 0 0 – 0
HPCA 15 15 7 8 – 45
First quarter
HPCA – Saunders 2 pass from Homol (Medlin kick), 10:41
HPCA – Br. Thomas 70 pass from Homol (Clark 2-point pass from Homol), 5:26
Second quarter
HPCA – Moreno 18 pass from Homol (Medlin kick), 11:23
HPCA – Moreno 4 run (Clark 2-point pass from Homol), 4:46
Third quarter
HPCA – Saunders 34 pass from Homol (Malboeuf kick), 2:26
Fourth quarter
HPCA – Saunders 10 pass from Kuld (Kuld run), 4:40