ATTICA – Crawfordsville opened the Brad Clark era as football coach in dominating fashion Friday night against the Attica Red Ramblers. The Athenians scored on their first three possessions, jumping out to a commanding 19-0 lead before the end of the first quarter.
They carried that momentum throughout the entire game, scoring on seven of their nine offensive possessions on their way to their first season opening victory since 2015 with a 53-0 rout.
“It’s the message we’ve had since I’ve been hired and that’s trying to get better each day. Having good days and the consistency of having good days,” Clark said afterwards. “I think that was the result of tonight. It’s a tribute to those kids that they’ve bought into our message.”
Crawfordsville dominated both sides of the ball out-gaining the Red Ramblers 338-9 while racking up 15 first downs to Attica’s 2.
“Coach Ryker has done a great job with the defense,” Clark said. “He preaches fundamentals, but also teaches effort and running to the ball. Things that make good football players.”
“He’s built a sound defense,” he continued. “Getting back to the defensive minded approach.”
Crawfordsville’s first possession was five plays marching 64-yards capped by a 20-yard AJ Hall pass to Ethan McLemore for the quick 7-0 lead.
The two would team up again on the Athenians next possession, this time from 30-yards out and the Crawfordsville offense was rolling.
Hall finished the game six-of-seven for 142 yards and two scores, both to McLemore.
“AJ (Hall) does a great job commanding our offense,” Clark said of the senior signal caller. “He’s so savvy, and he throws a good ball, which gives us a threat on the outside.”
The shutout was the Athenians first since 2007 when they beat West Vigo 36-0 in the first round of Sectional. That ‘07 season is also the last time a Crawfordsville team scored more than 50-points when they beat Beech Grove 51-23.
They’ll look to continue that momentum Friday as they host Fountain Central.
