It’s been an eventful few weeks for Collins football. Academic ineligibility forced the team, which has 21 players, to forfeit a winnable game in Week 6 against UIC Prep. That loss may have cost the Warriors a spot in the state playoffs.
Collins was shut out by White West conference leader Marshall last week. Then, just 36 hours before the Warriors’ game against Orr in Week 9 coach Corey Hill was fired and replaced by assistant coach Marco Dodd.
“We had some things going on where I needed to step in,” Dodd said. [Collins principal Lekenya Sanders-Sharpe] came calling and I answered the call. The team stuck together. They came out today, played their hearts out and we had the fans behind us. We got the job done.”
The Warriors trailed by a touchdown in the first quarter but dominated from then on to beat Orr 24-6 on Thursday at Rockne Stadium.
“It feels amazing to get my first win as a head coach,” Dodd said.
Senior Jeremy Kelton scored on a seven-yard run to tie the game early in the second quarter. Kelton caught a 31-yard TD pass from X’avier Furgurson just before halftime to put Collins (4-4, 2-3) ahead 18-6.
“All the stuff with the coaching situation was hard,” Kelton said “I’m gonna miss [former coach Corey Hill]. But [Dodd] and I came together and talked. I had to apologize because I made some mistakes. But we worked through it together.”
Kelton had nine carries for 86 yards and two catches for 42 yards.
“It’s been an up and down season for Kelton,” Dodd said. “But the last couple of games he’s stepped it up. He’s our fearless leader. He practices and plays hard. The guys follow behind him. He’s a natural born leader.”
Collins’ senior Jeremy Kelton rumbles in for a 7-yard TD.
Warriors and Orr tied at 6 early in the 2Q at Rockne Stadium. pic.twitter.com/1Ics94EPGK
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) October 17, 2024
Sophomore Eric Rhone had a big third quarter with an 8-yard TD run and an interception, his second of the season. Sophomore Sherrod Murray grabbed an interception for Collins in the second quarter.
“Rhone is the future,” Dodd said. “I wanted to get him the ball. That kid has a lot of talent. We are going to make sure he’s in a position to suceed.”
Dodd, a math teacher at Collins, is excited about taking over the football program. He is the school’s third head coach in three years.
“It will be me from here on out and to start next year,” Dodd said. “It’s a great opportunity.”
Orr sophomore quarterback Kurell Smith opened the scoring with a five-yard TD run in the first quarter. He was 5 for 16 for 26 yards with two interceptions for the Spartans (3-5, 2-3).