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Charleston impressive in jamboree
MALDEN - Four area teams convened at Malden High School for a football jamboree. Along with the host school Malden, Chaffee, Charleston and Fredericktown showcased their talent to an appreciative crowd.
The four teams were split up with half running plays to the north goal line from the 40-yard line and the other teams ran plays toward the south goal line from the opposite 40-yard line. Each team got 12 plays on offense and defense against each opponent.
The Charleston Bluejays looked very efficient on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Charleston ran a total of 48 plays on the night and showed great effort according to first-year head coach Al Marshall.
"We played with a lot of enthusiasm and I'm proud of that," said Marshall, "We've had some great practices with effort, conformity and desire but at times have lacked some enthusiasm. Tonight we played with some enthusiasm."
On offense, the Bluejays ran more running plays than passing trying to get accustomed to the new offense installed by coach Marshall. Some individuals who gained some positive yards for Charleston are the following: Joseph Watts had six carries for 65 yards and scored three touchdowns. Watts scored his touchdowns from 28-, 20-, and 1-yard out.
James Williams had three carries for 22 yards, Curtis Hughes carried the ball twice for 23 yards and a touchdown and Jimmie Greer's number was called for two carries and 18 yards.
Additional runners for Charleston were, Marquez Ware with two carries for 13 yards, Roger Triplett ran two times for 14 yards and Matt Medlock had a carry, good for nine yards. Travis Hamilton chipped in with two carries for 12 yards. Billy Butler rounded out the rushing attack with one carry for six yards.
On the passing side, Josh Marshall looked outstanding rolling out of the pocket and hooking up for big gains to his receivers. Marshall completed 3-
for-4 passes good for 54 yards.
Marshall completed passes to three different receivers. Justin Clark caught a pass for 20 yards, Jamarcus Williams hauled one in good for 20 yards also and Josh Thompson grabbed one for 14 yards.
On defense, coach Marshall was proud of his players and the attitude they showed.
"We flew around the football tonight and showed a lot of enthusiasm, " said Marshall.
The defense was led by James Williams who recorded five tackles. Marshall tallied three tackles. Dustin Allen and Thompson each had a sack of the opposing teams' quarterback. Justin Clark, Darwin Craig and Bobby Clark each defended a pass in the defensive backfield.
The Bluejays were impressive on both sides of the ball with a swarming defense and a offense that can either kill you on the ground or air it out with the passing game. Teams on Charleston's schedule beware, the Bluejays are for real.
Another team at the jamboree was the Chaffee Red Devils led by long-time Sikeston coach, Charlie Vickery. Coach Vickery had a broad smile on his face Friday night after a two-year hiatus from being the head coach with Sikeston.
"Feels good to be back on the sidelines," said Vickery.
As for his new team, Vickery is encouraged by what he saw on the field tonight.
"The kids showed a lot of enthusiasm and they have worked hard so far this year," said Vickery, "Tonight was a good test for us to work against some teams with a lot of speed."
Chaffee will host Grandview next Friday while Malden entertains Scott City.
Charleston will be on the road for their opener traveling to Kennett to take on the Indians also next Friday night.