Mustangs to take on Clements for homecoming

Madison Academy’s offense struggled to move the ball and reach the end zone in its first two games.

The Mustangs have produced three offensive touchdowns and a field goal in its first two games. They managed only seven points in a 13-7 loss to 2A power Tanner in the regular-season opener. That came on an 83-yard run by sophomore Kerryon Johnson on a direct snap.

Cohu said the Mustangs’ opponents had lot to do with the lack of offensive production.

“We played two outstanding teams,” he pointed out.

Johnson has accounted for all four of the Madison Academy’s touchdowns in its two games. In their 3A, Region 8 opener on Friday, the seventh-ranked Mustangs (1-1, 1-0 in the region) beat visiting third-ranked Lauderdale County 24-10 with Johnson rushing for two scores and returning an interception 96 yards for a game-clinching score in the closing seconds.

(Johnson) “is a great football player and a good athlete,” Cohu said. “He’s a strong competitor.”

Clements (0-2, 0-1), Madison Academy’s next opponent, has giving up 108 points through the first two weeks. Clements allowed 54 points in dropping a one-point defeat to West Limestone. The Colts matched that total in getting pounded by West Morgan 54-0 the following week. In the shutout loss, Clements allowed 393 rushing yards on 61 carries to a Rebels team that did not attempt a pass.

Madison Academy coach Eric Cohu said he has not focused on those statistics in preparing for Friday’s game.

“I try to focus on our team,” Cohu said. “Clements is going to play very hard. We need to focus on playing well and getting better offensively.”

Senior Justin Wimberly started at quarterback in the season-opening loss to Tanner. Cohu went with sophomore Blake Coward as the Week 2 starter.

Both quarterbacks saw action in the win. Although Cohu has not named the Week 3 starter, he said both will split playing time for the foreseeable future.

“We’re still finding our identity (on offense),” Cohu said.

While its offense has struggled, Madison Academy’s defense has been solid. After allowing an opening-drive touchdown to Tanner, the Mustangs have allowed 17 points in their last seven quarters.

Cohu praised his defense’s effort.

“We have given up yards but not points,” he said. “We’ve not been perfect but I’m happy that they have played eight quarters (of solid defense).”
Junior linebacker Taylor Ziak has been a key to that success.

“Taylor Ziak has done an outstanding job,” Cohu said. “He is leading the team in tackles and is being a vocal leader.”