Crawford, Kraft power Cross County past Earle in Senior Night romp

Published On: November 10, 2025Categories: High School, News

Cross County 60, Earle 38

CHERRY VALLEY — Cross County leaned on its ground game and a swarming defense to turn Senior Night into a statement, racing past Earle 60–38. Junior running back Caden Crawford burst for four rushing touchdowns, including two in the opening quarter as the Thunderbirds built a 24–8 lead. Classmate Ayden “AK” Kraft added two scores, including a late fourth‑quarter clincher, while fullback Dayvion Simmons hammered in another and senior TE/DL Danny Beale III snuck across just before halftime for a 46–16 cushion. Kicker Jake Brooks tacked on two second‑half PATs. On defense, senior SS Drake Halk hauled in a first‑quarter interception and helped close the door with a late pass breakup. Up front, Kohen Stephens and Roderick Williams Jr. paved lanes and collapsed pockets all night.

Earle answered with a physical effort led by quarterback Taron Hurst, who rushed for two touchdowns and engineered two more second‑half drives to keep the Bulldogs within striking distance. Receiver/DB James Jarrettmoved the sticks on the perimeter, and RB/OLB Darion Maples contributed on offense and special teams. But Cross County’s balance, tempo, and tackling proved decisive as the Thunderbirds secured a home playoff opener next week.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Cross County – Caden Crawford run (2‑pt run), CC 8–0.
Earle – Taron Hurst run (2‑pt run), 8–8.
Cross County – Crawford run (2‑pt run), CC 16–8.
Cross County – Dayvion Simmons run (2‑pt run), CC 24–8.

2nd Quarter
Cross County – Ayden Kraft run (2‑pt run), CC 32–8.
Earle – Hurst run (2‑pt run), 32–16.
Cross County – Crawford run (2‑pt run), CC 40–16.
Cross County – Danny Beale III sneak (2‑pt failed), CC 46–16.

3rd Quarter
Cross County – Crawford run (Jake Brooks kick), CC 53–16.
Earle – Hurst run (2‑pt run), 53–24.

4th Quarter
Earle – TD (2‑pt pass), 53–32.
Cross County – Kraft run (Brooks kick), CC 60–32.
Earle – TD (2‑pt failed), Final 60–38.

Players who stood out

Caden Crawford (RB, Cross County) — 4 rushing TDs, 1 two‑point run.
Ayden “AK” Kraft (RB/SB, Cross County) — 2 rushing TDs including the fourth‑quarter dagger.
Dayvion Simmons (FB/RB, Cross County) — 1 rushing TD; power yards between the tackles.
Drake Halk (WR/SS, Cross County) — 1 INT and late PBU.
Taron Hurst (QB, Earle) — 2 rushing TDs; led multiple scoring drives.