The Chargers of CCS scored four first quarter touchdowns, leading 28-6 to begin the second quarter Friday night but had to hold off a late Brainerd charge to earn the season opener for both teams 37-27.
CCS's final touchdown came with 2:22 left in the game, leading just 31-27. The touchdown by Mondo Ellison was his third of the night. Ellison scored both times on the Chargers first two posessions. The sophomore finished with 91 yards on 14 carries.
Justin Wheeler scored one of the other first quarter touchdowns on a 16 yard run. Wheeler finished with 87 yards on 9 carries.
Brainerd's Jamual Herman had 18 carries for 86 yards and scored twice.
Brainerd quarterback Vesta Melvin finished the night with 36 yards on 14 carries and also had 175 yards on 10 of 18 passing.
CCS quarterback Matthew Mercer was 3 of 11 for 35 yards.
Scoring Summary:
1st Quarter
8:45 - CCS's Mondo Ellison 2 yard run (Kick good by Gaines) 7-0
7:59 - CCS's Mondo Ellison 2 yard run (Kick good by Gaines) 14-0
3:43 - CCS's Justin Wheeler 16 yard run (Kick good by Gaines) 21-0
1:09 - CCS's Cooper Williams recovers fumble in the endzone (Kick good by Gaines) 28-0
0:04 - Brainerd's Jamual Herman returns fumble for 22 yards (Kick failed by Taylor) 28-6
2nd quarter
4:45 - CCS's Ian Gaines 25 yard field goal 31-6
3rd quarter
8:27 - Brainerd's Vista Melvan 24 yard pass to Jamaul Herman (Kick good by Taylor) 31-13
4th quarter
9:30 - Brainerd's Vest Melvin 3 yard run (Kick good by Taylor) 31-20
9:30 - Brainerd's Jamual Herman 1 yard run (Kick good by Taylor) 31-27
2:22 - CCS's Ellison 7 yard run (Kick failed by Boren) 37-27