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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s James Turnes (59), Chelsea’s Chandler Pruitt (29) and Chelsea’s Garyson Maddox (68) tackle Pelham running back Gabe Gamble (34) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hamp Waller (43) tackles Pelham's William Lankford (10) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Pelham's William Lankford (10) is stopped on the run by Chelsea’s Evan Jones (10) and Chelsea’s Chandler Pruitt (29) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Gabe Ruffin (5) catches a pass guarded by the Pelham defense during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs the ball downfield as Pelham defensive back Fabian Calderon (27) and other Pelham defenders make the stop during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson. Starnes Media
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Jake Adams (24) and Chelsea’s Gabe Ruffin (5) tackle Pelham's William Lankford (10) at the goal line during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Marquis Turner (4) tackles Pelham's William Lankford (10) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Gabe Ruffin (5) runs the ball toward the goal line during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) looks to throw a pass during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Thomas Simpson (15) jumps up to catch the ball guarded by Pelham defensive back Ra-Sen Martin (37) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Alex Trout (13) kicks the extra point during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Evan Jones (10) blocks the Pelham ball carrier during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Holton Smith (17) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs the ball as Pelham's Jamal Miles (2) moves in to make the stop during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Adam Reaves (9) runs the ball toward the end zone during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) looks to throw the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Ricky Whited (3) returns the kick during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
The Chelsea offense lines up for the snap during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs the ball as Pelham defensive back Fabian Calderon (27) moves in to make the block during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) hands the ball to Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Ernest Moore (28) returns the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Carson Freeman (37) and Chelsea’s Evan Jones (10) tackle Pelham running back Gabe Gamble (34) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs out of a tackle during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) runs the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Sam Niven (47) kicks the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Ricky Whited (3) runs the ball on the kick return during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) catches the snap during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Holton Smith (17) is knocked out of bounds by Pelham's Jylen Tate (14) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Alex Trout (13) kicks the extra point during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) carries the ball through the Pelham defense during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) hands the ball to Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Pelham's William Lankford (10) runs through a tackle attempt by Chelsea’s Hamp Waller (43) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) runs through a tackle attempt by the Pelham defense during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Marquis Turner (4) moves in to make the stop as Pelham's William Lankford (10) runs the ball during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) hands the ball to Chelsea’s Collier Blair (1) during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Hayden Garrison (11) steps back to make a play during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea takes the field at the start of a game against Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Chelsea football at Pelham
Chelsea’s Gabe Ruffin (5) runs the ball toward the goal line during a game between Chelsea and Pelham on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at Pelham High School. Pelham defeated the Hornets 47-28. Photo by Erin Nelson.
PELHAM -- Coach Tom Causey’s Pelham High School football team could have hardly had a worse start to its game Friday night.
The Panthers threw an interception on the first play of the game and found themselves down 15 points early in the second quarter.
But Causey’s bunch didn’t stay down, charging back for a 47-28 victory over the Chelsea High School football team on Bobby Hayes Field.
“I’m proud of our team,” said Causey, whose team improved to 5-1. “We dug ourselves into a hole. The offense put us in a bad way and they bailed us out right there too.”
Chelsea was up 14-0 in the first quarter before the home team got on the board with a 37-yard touchdown pass from Will Lankford to Chase Christian. The Hornets would put 28 points on the board by intermission, but the Panthers closed the half with a 3-yard Lankford touchdown run to narrow the margin to 28-27.
The Panthers pulled away from there, holding the visitors scoreless the rest of the way. Causey said the difference was up front.
“Dominate the line of scrimmage. Dominate the line of scrimmage,” Causey said. “Chelsea, in the first quarter especially, dominated the line of scrimmage.”
Chelsea coach Dustin Goodwin said his team fell victim to Pelham adjustments, and some of their players playing on both sides of the ball.
“The fatigue factor set in a little bit,” Goodwin said. “We had some guys cramping. At the end of the day, it came down to execution. They executed better than we did and that’s how they won the ball game.
“Nothing really changed from the first half to the second half other than nicks and bruises and bumps,” the Hornets coach continued. “A guy comes up lame so another guy has to pull double duty. I think that wore on us as the game went on.”
Lankford had 16 carries for 155 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers. He was 2-for-6 passing for 84 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Dylan Peterson had 14 carries for 155 yards and two TDs.
Gabe Gamble had 39 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Fabian Calderon, Seth Branham and Zack Rushton had six tackles apiece while Jamal Miles had three tackles and an interception.
Chelsea sophomore quarterback Hayden Garrison completed 7-of-14 passes for 117 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Click here to view and purchase photos from the game.
