Capitals move to 8- 0 with win over Raiders
By Michael Orr

Photo by Morgen Young Keenan's Phillip George closes in on Columbia's Cedric Jeffcoat. Jeffcoat rushed 22 times for 187 yards, three touchdowns, and one two- point conversion.

Columbia High School survived a poor first quarter to overwhelm Keenan 41- 12 on October 12. Behind a strong rushing effort by Cedric Jeffcoat and an unrelenting defense, the Capitals blew past the Raiders to their eighth consecutive victory and remain undefeated in 2007.

Charles Brice almost single- handedly gave Keenan an early lead, compliments of his 39- yard opening kick off return and a 24- yard touchdown run four minutes into the game. In between, quarterback Antonio Perry completed a vital fourth- and- three pass to Arthur Goforth, setting up Brice's run. The extra point was partially blocked leaving the score at a surprising 6- 0 advantage for the Raiders.

The Capitals were not able to record their first first down until only 30 seconds remained in the first quarter. Keenan's defense, led by Terrance Kelly, shut down the potent Columbia attack and forced a fumble. The Capitals finally gained momentum on the legs of Cedric Jeffcoat, late in the quarter.

Photo by Morgen Young Columbia High's Chris Payne, playing fullback, caught a pass from his brother Justin and broke several tackles en route to a 63- yard touchdown. At linebacker, he had 12 tackles (one for loss), and a sack. He also caused a fumble and recovered one.

As the second quarter began, Columbia drove the length of the field and converted a fourth- and- six pass to Curtis Dunbar. Quarterback Justin Payne's pass down the right sideline then found Terrell Hunter midstride for a 30- yard touchdown. A blocked extra point kept the game tied at 6- 6 with 8:21 left in the half.

Hunter's touchdown was the first in a string of three consecutive scores to end the half. A quarterback sweep by Payne from three yards out and a four yard rumble by Jeffcoat following a 50- yard run by Payne gave the Capitals a 21- 6 lead at halftime, completing the reversal of fortunes between the first and second quarters.

After a slow start to the second half, Columbia scored on its second, third, and fourth possessions, all within four and a half minutes. Following DaMario Jeffrey's 88- yard interception return, Jeffcoat scored his second touchdown from three yards out. Chris Payne, playing fullback, caught a pass from his brother and broke several tackles en route to a 63- yard touchdown. Jeffcoat then added his third score of the night, a 64- yard scamper to completely stun the previously spirited Raiders. With the lead extended to 41- 6, there was little room left for doubt as to the outcome of the game.

Keenan did not roll over, however and continued to play hard and admirably throughout the fourth quarter. Largely on the strength of Goforth's foray to the quarterback position, the Raiders were able to muster the offensive success that eluded them in the third quarter. Goforth and Brice powered one final drive and Brice's 14- yard touchdown gave the long- waiting Raider fans something to cheer for. The 2- point conversion attempt fell incomplete and left the score at its final, 41- 12.

The Capitals seek to continue their undefeated run through Region IV- AA in hosting second- place Pelion on Thursday, October 18. Keenan, now 1- 7 overall, will try to regroup in a road game against C.A. Johnson on October 19.