CHERRY VALLEY — The Cross County Thunderbirds pulled off the upset over 4A Star City, 42-24, to wrap up their non-conference schedule Friday night at Thunderbird Stadium.
Cross County started the scoring about four minutes into the first quarter. The two-point attempt was good, giving the T-Birds an early 8-0 advantage.
Star City responded about four minutes later with 4:16 left in the opening quarter. However, the PAT was blocked and Cross County led 8-6.
Cross County continued to build on its lead with touchdowns by Kaden Finley with 2:24 to go in the first quarter and then by Ayden Kraft with right at eight minutes to go until halftime.
Cross County was then able to get possession of the returning kickoff and once again found the end zone to build a commanding 30-6 lead with 5:48 to go until intermission.
Star City got into the end zone again before halftime to set the score at 30-12 at intermission.
In the third quarter, the T-Birds found paydirt with just over eight minutes left in the period to again go up by four scores, 36-12. Star City would only get as close as 12 points — 36-24 — with touchdowns at five minutes and then 11 seconds to go in the third.
The T-Birds added their final touchdown with nine minutes to go in the game to set the score at 42-24.
Offensively, Cross County combined for 356 total yards. Trytan Tucker connected with Briar Swaite for a 29-yard touchdown. Ayden Kraft rushed for 114 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns. Kolby Walker ran for 100 yards on 15 carries. Caden Finley ran for 105 yards on nine carries with two touchdowns.
Defensively, Briar Swaite had 10 tackles. Caden Finley had 11 tackles. Corbyn Kraft had four tackles and an interception and Kolby Walker had two tackles and a forced fumble.
The T-Birds improve their record to 2-1 on the season.
“We came out of the gate playing fast and physical,” said Cross County coach Ty Mimbs. “We were able to find a few possessions and an onside kick on the third drive of the game. Then coming out of half, the first play Kolby Walker forced a fumble and we recovered it. On both of those turnovers, we were able to score some points. That’s always great when you can find ways to keep the offense on the field and capitalize on the other team’s mistakes like that.
“I felt like we played really physical,” Mimbs added. “I don’t think we’ve played that hard for all four quarters this year.”
Cross County opens 2A-2 conference play Friday at Marked Tree.
