Charleston defeats Malden 48-30

MALDEN, Mo. — Charleston put on an astounding display of ground dominance, rushing for nearly 500 yards in a 48-30 win over Malden on Friday, September 8.

“We did a great job running the ball,” said Charleston coach Justin Hutchings. “That is an awesome feeling. I thought we did a better job with our assignments upfront and did a better job communicating. Malden would bring eight or nine guys in the box and we were still able to have success, that shows me that my offensive linemen had a heck of a game.”

In a dynamic first quarter, the Bluejays (1-2) gained a 10-6 lead, with a 3-yard touchdown run by Ko’Terrion Owens and a safety. The Green Wave (0-3) responded with a 55-yard touchdown pass.

The second quarter saw both teams exchange scoring drives, Charleston extended the led with a 14-yard touchdown run by Owens, while Malden countered with a 14-yard touchdown pass.

At halftime, Charleston led 18-12.

Owens electrified the field with touchdown runs of 8 yards, 20 yards and 3 yards in the second half. He finished the game with 27 carries for 227 yards and five touchdowns.

“[Owens] completely controlled our offense,” Hutchings said. “Was a true offensive general and am very proud of him.”

Owens also had 78 passing yards. The highlight of the passing game was a 58-yard reception to Bryon Jones.

Malden added scoring strikes through the air of 21 yards, 19 yards and 10 yards in the second half.

“Kudos to Malden that have a very dangerous offense and its quarterback can sling it,” Hutchings said. “I thought he had a great game passing Friday and we kind of fumbled the bag on defense.”

The Bluejays’ final touchdown came on a run a CJ Kimble, who finished with 85 yards on 14 attempts and his first varsity score.

J'Maurion Robinson added 77 yards on 17 carries and Kaden Branam chipped in four rushes for 67 yards.

Defensively, TJ Farries and Tayshon Clark each had an interception and Robinson recovered a fumble.

“Very proud of my guys this week,” Hutchings concluded. “Our goal was to start finishing drives, series, blocking, etc., and I believe we accomplished that.”

Charleston travels to Kelly (3-0) on Thursday, September 14, while Malden hosts Chaffee (1-2) on Friday, September 15.