Columbia defense soars in region opening win over Hapeville
On Thursday, the Columbia Eagles traveled to face the Hapeville Charter Hornets in the first region game of the season for both teams, however the Eagles would end the night as victors as they defeated the Hornets 34-21. "DeMarco Cody," was the response from Columbia head coach, Greg Barnett when asked about what impressed him most with his team's win.
"He's superb. He had an excellent game tonight and I'm extremely proud of him," Barnett said of the freshman defensive back, who finished with two receiving touchdowns, the Eagles first two scores after trailing 7-0, and three interceptions. Noting the performances of quarterback, Czar Daniels and junior wide receivers Damarion and Jamarion Davis, in addition to that of Cody's, Barnett praised his team for their "collective effort" in the win.
"We left some plays out there on the field, we can definitely do a better job and I plan on cleaning it up," Barnett said of the Eagles, who took a 21-7 lead in the first quarter, however allowed the Hornets to tie the game at 21 all in the third quarter. However after Hapeville's Ray Damond Stiggers game tying rushing touchdown, Daniels would lead the Eagles down the field on the ensuing possession and and rush for a touchdown which helped the Eagles regain the lead as they went up 28-21.
"Definitely a good feeling," Barnett said of seeing how his team was able to respond and the connection he and his staff have seen on offense. "The seven on seven, the extra practices over the summer, I can see that they're paying dividends off," Barnett said, crediting Daniels for his leadership. "He's much more comfortable with the offense and like I said, the chemistry and comradery that he commands from the receiving core, he's done an outstanding job and I'm extremely proud of him," Barnett said of Daniels.
The Eagles will have a bye next week, but will face another region opponent in Cedar Grove when they next take the field on September 25 and Barnett says in order for momentum to remain behind Columbia, there are some things he needs his team to clean up. "We have to clean up a lot of mistakes that we made and we have to work on finishing," Barnett said.
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