Salem 20, Atkins 14

Published On: October 14, 2025Categories: High School, News

Salem 20, Atkins 14

SALEM — Salem leaned on its defense and a clock‑grinding run game to edge Atkins, 20–14, in a hard‑hitting 2-3A showdown Friday night. Quarterback Jackson Taylor found tight end Cole Stemen for an 18‑yard touchdown just before halftime, and senior tailback Kaden Brink supplied the fourth‑quarter go‑ahead score from two yards out as the Greyhounds protected home turf. Atkins countered behind senior quarterback Cole Crawford, who threw two touchdown passes before leaving late with an apparent leg injury. Senior receiver Tanner Hegeman turned a short throw into a 45‑yard sprint to the pylon to tie it 14–14 early in the third, and senior Davyn Bowden hauled in the Red Devils’ first‑half touchdown. Kenney Rivas converted both PATs for Atkins. Salem’s front, keyed by senior Keagan Sanderson, produced multiple negative plays and a fourth‑down stop; linebacker Dylan Gaskins added a key third‑down reception to extend an early march. Atkins’ defense answered with two fourth‑down stands and a timely takeaway near its own red zone, with senior linebacker John Davis around the ball throughout. In the end, Brink and the Greyhounds controlled field position and the fourth‑quarter tempo to stay unbeaten in league play.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter Salem – Colton Smith 3‑yd run (fake PAT pass good), Salem 8–0.
2nd Quarter Atkins – Davyn Bowden 10‑yd pass from Cole Crawford (Rivas kick), Salem 8–7.
2nd Quarter Salem – Cole Stemen 18‑yd pass from Jackson Taylor (2‑pt pass failed), Salem 14–7.
3rd Quarter Atkins – Tanner Hegeman 45‑yd pass from Cole Crawford (Rivas kick), 14–14.
4th Quarter Salem – Kaden Brink 2‑yd run (2‑pt pass no good), Salem 20–14.