Thunderbirds throttle Panthers in 2A playoff opener

Cross County 49, Bigelow 0

CHERRY VALLEY — Cross County burst to a 14–0 first‑quarter lead and never looked back, powering past Bigelow 49–0 in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night.

Junior RB Caden Crawford pounded out four touchdowns behind an offensive line anchored by senior two‑way lineman Danny Beale III, who also converted three two‑point runs. Senior slotback/safety Braxton Armstrong added three rushing scores as the Thunderbirds controlled the line of scrimmage and the clock. QB Kale Searcy mixed in a deep completion to Parker Duncan to set up points, and K/P Jake Brooks added a PAT while flipping the field with his leg.

Defensively, Cross County forced three turnovers and snuffed out drives. DT Roderick Williams Jr. grabbed a tip‑drill interception, while defensive back Kolby Walker and RB/DB Ayden Kraft added picks to preserve the shutout.

Bigelow found rhythm in the passing game. QB Cal Adams repeatedly targeted Easton Platt on the perimeter and Ryan Jones over the middle, moving the Panthers into scoring range before penalties and negative plays stalled possessions. Guy Starks took snaps at quarterback as well, and Arthur Newberry churned out tough yards in limited space for the visitors.

The front seven—Beale, Williams Jr., Duncan and Will Bezzard—collapsed the pocket, forcing hurried throws that became takeaways. On special teams, Brooks’ booming first‑quarter punt pinned the Panthers at their 2 late.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter — Cross County – Caden Crawford run (Danny Beale III 2‑pt run), CC 8–0.
1st Quarter — Cross County – Caden Crawford run (conversion failed), CC 14–0.
2nd Quarter — Cross County – Caden Crawford run (Beale III 2‑pt run), CC 22–0.
2nd Quarter — Cross County – Braxton Armstrong 52‑yd run (kick failed), CC 28–0.
2nd Quarter — Cross County – Braxton Armstrong run (Beale III 2‑pt run), CC 36–0.
2nd Quarter — Cross County – Caden Crawford run (Jake Brooks kick), CC 43–0.
3rd Quarter — Cross County – Braxton Armstrong run (kick failed), CC 49–0.

Players who stood out

• Caden Crawford (RB, Cross County) — 4 rushing TDs.

• Braxton Armstrong (SB/SS, Cross County) — 3 rushing TDs.

• Danny Beale III (T/G/DL, Cross County) — three 2‑pt runs; line anchor.

• Roderick Williams Jr. (DT/G, Cross County) — interception, backfield havoc.

• Cal Adams (QB, Bigelow) — led multiple first‑down drives through the air.