Robertsville rallies in fourth quarter to defeat CMS
Robertsville Middle School faced early struggles on the gridiron Thursday night, but the Rams found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, pulling away to defeat Clinton Middle School 24-6 in Clinton.
The Rams, coming off a heartbreaking 64-58 overtime loss to Grace Christian Academy the previous week, led by just two points late in the third quarter.
Coach Ron Gray said his team took some time to shake off the effects of that loss and Clinton’s strong play.
“It was 8-6 in the third quarter, but we had a hangover,” Gray said. “We moved the ball well, but we had some penalties and had some big plays called back.”
Robertsville took the lead after an 80-yard drive, capped by a 33-yard touchdown pass from Lemiere Porter to Ben Hartman. Porter ran for the two-point conversion, putting the Rams up 8-0.
Clinton pulled within two at 8-6 when Heriberto Tirado scored on a 66-yard touchdown run.
Porter played a key role in all three of Robertsville’s touchdowns. He added a 46-yard touchdown run and sealed the game with an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown. Jaxson Billingsley contributed two-point conversions after the Rams’ second and third touchdowns.
Defensively, Billingsley and Ben Hartman each had seven tackles, with Hartman also recovering a fumble. Everitt Hartman, Dominic Montgomery, and LaMir Montgomery each tallied four tackles.
Porter finished the night with 10 carries for 107 yards and went 4-of-8 passing for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Clinton Assistant Coach John Reece praised the Hawks’ effort, but lamented the failures.
“It was 8-6 with a minute left in the third quarter, and we missed a couple of opportunities,” Reece said. “We were right there, and it’s been that way the last few games.”
