The Clinton Dark Horses claimed their second win of the season in dominating fashion over the James Kenan Tigers, taking the game comfortably, 49-12.

The victory is a good spark for CHS, running its winning streak to two and starting off with a win in conference play.

“It was a good win for us — we played much better tonight than we’ve been playing,” said coach Bob Lewis. “This game was important and we knew if we didn’t win tonight that we’d be in some trouble.”

The Horses weren’t in any trouble tonight as they owned James Kenan all night from the opening whistle. The defense completely shutdown the oppositions first drive. As the offense took over the Tigers couldn’t do anything to stop them, not just on the Horses’ opening drive but almost every time they touched the field.

Kris Williams scored the first touchdown for Clinton at 9:29 on quarterback keeper on third and long around midfield, breaking off a huge 53 yard run to the outside for the score. The point after attempt was good with the Horses leading 7-0.

Less than three minutes later they punched in their second TD of the quarter. This time Jalen Smith bulldozed his way into the end zone on a short goal line run. This put them ahead 14-0 as the Horses scored once before the first quarter ended leading 21-0.

The Tiger didn’t roll over and quit, they answered back quick scoring within the first minute of the second quarter. The PAT was missed but they put a dent in the Horses big lead, making it 21-6. It didn’t last, CHS scored two more touchdowns before the second quarter ended.

The first came from Williams on another quarterback keeper at 7:37 giving them a 28-6 lead. The second came from Jaheim Faison at 3:10 giving them a huge 35-6 margin over James Kenan going into halftime.

The Tigers would score their only other TD of the night in the fourth but not before giving CHS another TD after an interception return by Donte Mclellan. This put the game at a still lopsided score of 42-12 as James Kenan missed on the PAT kick again.

Smith would score their final time for night on another short goal line carry rounding out the Dark Horses commanding victory at 49-12.

The Dark Horses were unstoppable in the rushing game amassing 424 yards on the ground.Williamson led the rushing attack with 122 yards on just 11 carries. Faison also had a huge game as he had 119 on 12 carries, Williams added 63 yards on 4 carries and Smith ended with 56 on 14 carries.

Defense was equally unstoppable, getting 65 tackles on the night with Jaivah Cruse leading the way with 11 tackles. Carson Ellis and Williamson were the other two big defensive performers as Ellis added eight tackles and Williamson finished with seven. Williams also added another interception to go along with his already impressive night.

With their second win in a row and their first conference win of the season, the Horses improve to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the conference. They’ll continue conference play Oct. 6, finally returning home to take on cross-county rivals Midway Raiders.

Dewan Lesesne going up to fight a James Kenan receiver for a potential interception.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_DSC_0074.jpgDewan Lesesne going up to fight a James Kenan receiver for a potential interception.

AJ Williamson follows his blocks on his way downfield, chunking off huge yardage almost every time he touched the ball.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_DSC_0077.jpgAJ Williamson follows his blocks on his way downfield, chunking off huge yardage almost every time he touched the ball.
Clinton starts conference play with victory over James Kenan

By Michael Hardison

Sports Editor

Reach Michael Hardison at [email protected]. Follow us Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.