Thunderbirds Blank Jaguars on Homecoming in 2A-3 Opener

Published On: September 30, 2025Categories: High School, News

Cross County 43, McCrory 0

CHERRY VALLEY — Cross County opened 2A-3 play with a 43-0 homecoming win over McCrory at Thunderbird Stadium on Friday, Sept. 26. Junior running back Caden Crawford powered the Thunderbirds with four first‑half rushing touchdowns and finished with 266 yards on 12 carries. Dayvion Simmons (FB) added a goal‑line score and Kolby Walker closed it out late; Jake Brooks hit the PAT.

Quarterback Kale Searcy operated the offense, and slot back Braxton Armstrong returned from injury to add 50 rushing yards on four carries. On defense, linebacker Caden Finley logged 11 tackles, Jayden Huckabee made seven stops, and Danny Beale III (TE/DL) added five tackles plus an interception as Cross County controlled field position. Punter Drake Halk repeatedly flipped the field with high, coverable kicks.

McCrory showed resolve. Quarterback Keaton Massanelli extended plays and moved the sticks with short throws and keepers, while Trey Kittrell and Caden Ayers chipped in tough yards. Return man Bryson Waymire provided field position, and defensive back Jaicen Castro intercepted a third‑quarter pass to set up the Jaguars’ best possession, which reached the Cross County 10 before the T‑Birds held on fourth‑and‑2.

The win lifts Cross County to 3–1, 1–0 in league; McCrory is 2–2. Homecoming crowd saw the Thunderbirds’ balance — a downhill ground game behind a physical line, strong special teams, and a defense that rallied to the football — carry over from their nonconference schedule into league play. Senior Jenna Organ was crowned before kickoff. Both teams resume 2A‑3 action next week.