Calhoun High School quarterback Kaelan Riley (1) attempts to shake Westminster's Neil Kimble (48) during the first half of the GHSA Class AAA semifinal matchup at the Yellowjackets' home field Friday.CALHOUN, Ga. - To reach a GHSA championship football game for the fifth time in six seasons, Hal Lamb and his offensive coaching staff went against the grain.
Facing a well-coached, experienced and talented defensive football team in Westminster, the Yellow Jackets believed their best shot at winning the Class AAA semifinal Friday night was to throw some new looks at the Wildcats. The result was a 19-8 win in which Calhoun tripled the visitors' total yardage and showcased junior quarterback Kaelen Riley's full range of talent.
"We felt like we had to break tendency to move the ball against that defense," Lamb said, "so we did some things tonight that we haven't done all year. We were strong in certain tendencies in some formations, so we passed when it looked like we were going to run and vice versa. I think it caught them off guard some, and it was a well-organized game plan by our offensive staff."
It also introduced a new threat in tight end Landon Rice, the future Auburn Tiger whose main job is to terrorize offenses from his defensive end position. Friday he lined up in the backfield on several occasions to provide extra protection for Riley, who was 18-for-23 for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He also leaked out of the backfield for two key catches that led to scores.
"We hadn't thrown the ball to Landon much, and we've limited his offensive plays because we need him more on defense," Lamb said. "But when you've got a 255-pound H-back or tight end, you've got to use him in key situations. Landon responded with a very good game."
Showing some new looks might also prove beneficial for Friday's championship game against fellow unbeaten and top-ranked Washington County, a team with more size and much more speed than Westminster.
"I hope giving them something different to look at might help," Lamb said. "I haven't had a chance to look at much film on them yet, but I do know they're very fast and we have to find a way to contain their speed on both sides of the ball."
Containing a WACO offense that has put up 174 points in four playoff games might start with the Jackets' offense, and with quarterback Riley in general. Coming off a quarterfinal game in which he turned the ball over four times, the junior was at his best Friday just when his team needed it.
"Kaelen played really well after an off night the week before," Lamb said. "For us to win last night he needed to play well, and he knew he needed to."
Calhoun and Washington County will kick off Friday at 4:30 at the Georgia Dome.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.