The ‘Landers wanted a win, and the Cloudland ground attack made sure they got it.
Noah Arnett had 341 yards and four touchdowns as CHS pulled away to a 44-20 victory over Oakdale at Orr Field. The win moves Cloudland to 1-2 on the season, but more importantly 1-0 in Region 1-A play.
The ‘Landers scored 20 unanswered points to pull away for the win.
Oakdale, however, went toe-to-toe with Cloudland early.
After the teams traded punts to open the game, Austin Helton hit Bradyn Goldstone for a 30-yard touchdown. Arnett struck on the next Cloudland drive with a 44-yard run and Preston Benfield added to two-point conversion to give CHS an 8-6 lead.
The Eagles regained the lead when Dakota Nelson caught a Helton pass for the score. Benfield pushed CHS back into the lead at the end of the first quarter with a five-yard scamper.
Cloudland’s defense started the second period on a strong note forcing a turnover on downs at their own 30. Arnett wasted no time on the next play as he raced 70 yards for the score to give Cloudland a 22-14 advantage.
Oakdale’s Helton threw his third touchdown of the night – this one to Nathan Arrowood. That pulled the Eagles within 22-20 with 7:49 left to play in the half.
The ‘Landers took a 30-20 lead into the locker room off a 66-yard touchdown run by Arnett.
From there, it was all Cloudland.
The ‘Landers got back on the board when Arnett scored from 11 yards out, and then Benfield found freshman Tristian Lacy for a 66-yard touchdown pass. Cloudland held a 44-20 lead at the end of the quarter.
The ‘Landers stalled a pair of Oakdale drives in the final stanza to secure the win.
In addition to Arnett’s success on the ground, Benfield had 66 yards rushing on seven carries. The senior quarterback also added 67 yards through the air.
Cloudland returns to non conference play next Friday with a trip to Avery County (N.C.).
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