When the Blessed Trinity Titans’ top three running backs, led by blue-chip recruit Justice Haynes, transferred out of the program this offseason, defensive end Kieran Davis was thrust into the lead back role in addition to his defensive duties.
He’s taken to the role well so far and on Friday in Roswell, he led the Titans to a 37-14 home win over the ELCA Chargers, rushing 18 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns. It was a follow-up to his season-opening performance in which he rushed for 112 yards.
Davis is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound senior committed to East Carolina, and it was his play on the offensive side that made the difference for the Titans (2-0), ranked No. 6 in Class 6A.
“Tonight shows I can do anything,” Davis said of the Titans asking him to take on more responsibilities this season. “Shout out to my offensive line. They were blocking tremendously. I love them boys right there.”
The Chargers (1-1), ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, matched the Titans blow-for-blow with the score knotted at 14 heading into halftime. However, the momentum of the game permanently shifted in the Titans’ favor when they went three-and-out on the opening possession of the second half.
The Titans punted to Chargers standout Colton Hood, who returned it from the Chargers’ 48 all the way to the 2-yard line, where he fumbled the ball into the end zone as he stretched his arms toward the pylon, and Blessed Trinity recovered for the touchback.
Bryson Hosea gave the Titans the lead for good with a 50-yard field goal, putting them ahead 17-14 with 6:53 left in the third. The Chargers’ remaining five possessions all ended in punts, and Davis scored his touchdowns with 2:19 left in the third quarter, and the second with 10:52 left in the game, which put the Titans ahead 31-14.
Davis’ first touchdown came from 25 yards out and he was stuffed 10 yards into the run. However, he kept churning his legs and broke three tackles to burst toward the end zone, and delivered a final punishing blow to a Chargers defender at the 1 yard line before scoring.
“Arguably, that punt return should have gone for a touchdown so we were very fortunate about that,” Titans coach Tom Hall said. “That was a huge turning point, no question.”
It wasn’t all bad for the Chargers. Junior running back Brandon Hood had 153 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries to lead the offense. His touchdown run went for 75 yards and came as the result of an explosive first step to cut from most of the defense, then he kicked into another gear to outrun the remaining defenders in what was likely the game’s top play.
The Chargers play at Class 3A’s Calvary Day next week, and the Titans have off. They’ll return Sept. 9 when they host 6A’s St. Pius in a non-region matchup.
ELCA 7 7 0 0 — 14
Blessed Trinity 7 7 10 13 — 37
B — Cole Harof 14 pass from Brooks Goodman (Bryson Hosea kick)
E — Colton Hood 11 pass from Charlie Gilliam (Maththew Johnson kick)
B — Deldrick Franklin 35 run (Hosea kick)
E — Brandon Hood 75 run (Johnson kick)
B — Hosea 50 FG
B — Kieran Davis 25 run (Hosea kick)
B — Davis 3 run (Hosea kick)
B — Zyon McKenzie 70 pass from Goodman (Hosea kick)
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