Clarksdale was bigger, stronger and executed better to take the First Annual Big Cat Bowl trophy and claim bragging rights for another year.
The Clarksdale Wildcats defeated the Coahoma County Red Panther, 38-6 and took control early.
Clarksdale’s Kebian Gilmore scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and scored another one in the third to be named the game’s MVP by bowl sponsor Dwan “Dee” Brown.
Clarksdale’s Calvin Johnson tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter and Clarksdale carried a 26-0 lead into the halftime lockeroom.
It wasn’t the big play that led to Clarksdale’s success but strong blocking and big holes up the middle and sealed corners on the sweeps that ground down the Red Panther.
Coahoma came out in the third and drove the ball down the field, only to have Clarksdale safety Dameron Bell intercept the football and run 75-yards for the score.
Clarksdale then put in the second team and enjoyed the game.
Coahoma County got on the scoreboard in the fourth when Jeramus Eagins scooped up a Clarksdale fumble and raced to the endzone.
Coahoma (4-4) travels to Charleston (6-3) Friday night and Clarksdale (8-1) hosts district foe Senatobia (8-2). The winner of the Clarksdale-Senatobia game will claim the 3A/Region 3 District Title.
