The Concord Yellow Jackets began their 2021 campaign hosting the Climax-Scotts Panthers. After a tough 2020 campaign, Concord makes it full-season debut at the 8-man level. ‘Jackets fans have to be extremely encouraged with the team matching its win total in its season opener, as they took down Climax-Scotts 24-20.
In the first quarter of this game, Tyler Carpenter broke free for the ‘Jackets. The senior quarterback reeled off a 15-yard touchdown run to put Concord on the board. Carpenter would add the two-point conversion to bring the tally to 8-0 after the first quarter of play.
Concord would double their lead in the second quarter as Logan Lamb powered across the goal line for a 2-yard touchdown. Much like Carpenter, Lamb also converted the two-point try. The ‘Jackets would hold a 16-0 lead as they went to the locker room.
In the third quarter, Climax-Scotts finally got on the scoreboard, with a short touchdown run. Tyler Carpenter reeled off his second score, a 44-yard sprint to pay dirt. Concord converted their third two-point try, as Jacob Cook ran it across the goal line. With just twelve minutes to go, the ‘Jackets held a 24-8 lead.
Climax-Scotts had an explosive fourth quarter offensively, scoring two touchdowns. They clawed within four points, but a pair of failed conversions left them four points shy of even.
Tyler Carpenter was the star offensively for Concord, as the senior finished the game 10/14 passing for 79 yards. He also added 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Jacob Cook chipped in 48 rushing yards, as Concord picked up 209 yards as a team on the ground.
Next week, Concord will take on Britton-Deerfield in each team’s inaugural game in the Tri-River Conference. Climax-Scotts will remain in non-conference action against Battle Creek St. Philip.
