The last time the Blue Flashes celebrated a win, gas was only $2 a gallon and America was still embroiled in the Global War on Terror. The 2023 version of the Flashes were not going to let another season pass without a victory celebration.
Calhoun Falls picked up their first win in four years and 30 games against Thornwell Charter School last Friday, 40-13.
It was a long time coming for head coach Zak Theus.
“It felt good to be able to leave the stadium without pondering about what could’ve been,” said Theus. “I’m just really proud of the product we put on.”
Jamarri Norman played a big role in the Flashes’ win. While only playing in the first half, Norman racked up three total touchdowns, two on the ground and one on a punt return. According to Norman, it’s all in a days work.
“I’m just trying to change the culture in Calhoun Falls and give the people something to look forward to,” said Norman. “Everybody played their role and everybody came to play.”
It wasn’t just Norman who played a major part in the Flashes’s win. Wide receiver Da’Quean “Fudge” Lewis racked up two touchdowns through the air, courtesy of sophomore quarterback Kendraez Tatum, while only playing in the first half as well. If you ask Lewis, his connection with Tatum is like no other.
“That’s my cousin and we’ve been getting dialed in,” said Lewis. “We have been working, practicing routes and staying after practice.
According to Coach Theus, Norman and Lewis both are critical to the success of the team this year.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, those guys are just freaks,” said Theus. “Those are two guys that you are just really happy are on your side.”
Tatum, making his first career start, really got to show what he is capable of. Only throwing a handful of passes, Tatum found the endzone twice and was able to calmly deliver balls with good accuracy. Not to mention Tatum’s abilities with his legs as well. Tatum has been putting in a lot of work with new quarterbacks coach Kelly Bryant, and it seems to be paying off.
While the Flashes put on a show offensively, their efforts on the defensive end cannot go unnoticed. Forcing four fumbles, the Flashes’ hard-hitting defense just couldn’t stay out of the Saints backfield for the entirety of the game. Senior linebacker Ken Cade made multiple tackles for loss.
All in all, this is a great first step in the right direction for the Blue Flashes. According to Coach Theus, this is what they’ve been waiting for all along.
“Since I got here, my saying has started with ‘change is…,” said Theus. “It started with ‘change is coming’ when I first arrived, to ‘change is happening,’ and now we can finally say ‘change is here.’”
The Flashes will look to make it back-to-back wins as they take on Thornwell again this Friday.