After a close first half, the Crenshaw Christian Academy Cougars adjusted and pulled away for a 37-14 win over East Memorial Christian Academy.

CCA’s first touchdown of the night came courtesy of a blocked punt by Jordan Phelps, which was returned 36 yards for a score by KeVontae May.

Following a 92-yard drive by EMCA, the next big play was a 58-yard touchdown run by Chris Wooten to make the score 14-6.

The Wildcats responded with another touchdown after a CCA fumble to tie the game, where it remained until halftime.

“We made a few adjustments at halftime,” said head coach Roland Jones. “The last time we were in a tight game at halftime, we came out in the second half and wilted.”

One of those adjustments was a renewed dedication to the power running game.

“We just played smash-mouth football and went right at them,” Jones said.

Trent McGough scored on a three-yard run with 4:04 left in the third quarter, and the Cougars pulled away in the fourth quarter following a 10-yard touchdown run by Gavin McKenzie and a one-yard run by Shaun Lewis.

Up 35-14, CCA also recorded a safety by Wooten and Justin Williamson with just over three minutes to play.

“We made a couple of mistakes, but we kept it away from them in the second half,” Jones said. “We also had a lot of kids step up and not quit.”

Lewis was the team’s leading rusher with 16 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown, and McKenzie was close behind with 14 carries for 100 yards and a TD.

Wooten ended the night with 72 yards rushing and a touchdown, while the other rushing TD came from McGough, who had seven yards on the night.

Wooten also led the team defensively with 16 tackles and one assist to go with the safety he shared with Williamson.

Williamson recorded double-digit tackles with 10 and one assist.

McKenzie had nine tackles, one assist and two sacks, and Josh Lewis had eight tackles and an assist.

Hunter Weeks came up with an interception and returned it 24 yards, and Alex King recovered a fumble.

CCA’s next game is a region matchup with top-ranked Edgewood Academy.

“They haven’t had a close game yet this season, so we’ve got to be ready,” Jones said.