Cougars clobber Rebels 53-0

Head coach Richard McClure wanted the Cougars to play hard against the John Hancock Academy Rebels Friday. They did exactly that, securing a 53-0 shutout on homecoming night.

“That’s really what tonight was about,” McClure told The Post-Searchlight. “We really wanted to see the execution and the hustle to get a fast start.”

The Cougars were up big at the half, when they cleared the field to recognize Grace Christian Academy’s 2026 Homecoming Court of seniors Keagan Belcher, Bennett Earnest and Ava Martin; junior Macy Blevins; sophomore AnnaClaire Moore; and freshman Madison Powell.

Belcher was crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen, while in the locker room, McClure told his players to finish the game strong.

“It’s not over,” he said. “We came out in the second half and gave up a long drive and got fortunate by getting a turnover. That was the message: you can’t quit.”

Quarterback Bryten McClure tallied a perfect three-for-three on pass attempts for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Shepherd Jenkins led the team in rushing with four carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver and cornerback Perry Glenn led in receptions with two for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

Jenkins said the Cougars will use the victory as a “boost” through the rest of the season. “It will help us see what we can do in the next game,” he said. “All gas, no quit.”

The Cougars’ defense totaled four sacks and seven tackles for losses against the Rebels. Outside linebacker Tanner Singleton led the way with one fumble recovery, 10 tackles and two sacks. Linebacker Jackson Tippons tallied five tackles and two sacks. Cornerback Aaron Pritchard tallied an interception and a fumble recovery. Defensive back Caellum Bush tallied a fumble recovery and two tackles.

Singleton said the Cougars were set on winning, just like every Friday. “We worked on our ability to run the plays right, to get our defense right and lead,” he explained. “Me and Bryten learned to lead a lot better in this game.”

The Cougars will get back to work against the Holy Spirit Prep Cougars at home Friday at 7 p.m.