For the second consecutive week, the Minden Crimson Tide have blown out a district opponent, as Huntington was no match for the Tide in a 32-0 romping at Minden’s W.W. Williams Stadium.
Also, for the second consecutive week another huge crowd came out to The Pit to enjoy the action, as the Tide turned in a dominating performance in all three pases.
“It was definitely a total team effort, just like last week,” Minden head coach Spencer Heard said. “I thought the defense once again played lights out. To hold them, or anybody, to zero points is something special. Offensively, we got some things going in the passing game. Guys made plays, and that was in all three phases.”
The Tide kicked off to start the game and quickly forced the Raiders into a turnover. Adrian Flournoy got Minden on the board with a six yard touchdown catch from quarterback Antonio Rivette. Following another defensive stop, Rivette got back to work, finding Kelcey Miller deep downfield for a 45-yard touchdown catch to make it 14-0. On the Tide’s very next possession, Rivette linked up with L’Jarius Sneed for a 32-yard touchdown pass. That score was set up by a pair of impressive runs by Rodtravion Rogers.
On the ensuing kickoff, Patrick Heard made the play of the night when a Huntington return man broke loose for what looked like a special teams touchdown. Heard diagnosed the play quickly and took a great angle. Heard caught the Raider return man and stripped the ball loose inside the three-yard line, where Kenneth Francis hustled over for the recovery.
A few plays later, Sneed burned the Raider secondary again, this time for a 65-yard touchdown on a beautifully-thrown ball by Rivette.
“We knew with Sneed coming back we would see things open up for other guys,” Heard said. “I think you saw that with Kelcey and Flournoy making touchdown catches and Tavarius had some big runs and catches. I thought this was one of Tony’s (Rivette) best games throwing the ball. He threw some beautiful deep balls and the line did a great job of giving him time and that’s the key.”
Dekeltric Freelon put an exclamation point on the win with an electrifying 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the second half, his second return touchdown of the year.
“When you can get touchdowns on special teams it can be the difference in the ball game,” Heard said. “It’s the same with Patrick’s play and giving us extra possessions. We’ve got dangerous guys out there.”
Rodney Johnson, Patrick Heard and Dekeltric Freelon had interceptions for the Tide defense.
Rivette threw for 206 yards and four touchdowns leading an improving offense, while D.J. Elkins emerged at running back with 95 yards. Sneed had another huge game, this time at receiver, finishing with four catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Kelcey Miller caught two passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, Tavarius Edwards caught two for 19 yards and Flournoy finished with one cach for six yards and a touchdown.