AUSTIN – New uniform, same electricity. That’s how Caleb Crenshaw introduced himself to Anderson fans Thursday night at House Park.
The senior transfer needed only six carries to make a statement, and one of them stole the show—a dazzling 80-yard sprint early in the second quarter that left McCallum defenders chasing shadows. Slipping out of trouble in the backfield, Crenshaw bounced left, found daylight, and shifted into high gear with a convoy of blockers leading the way. By the time he crossed the goal line, the Trojans’ sideline had erupted, and Anderson was well on its way to a 37-2 romp in the season-opening Shoal Creek Showdown.
Crenshaw, who piled up over 1,300 rushing yards last season at LBJ, finished with 102 yards and that highlight-reel touchdown. His big play sparked a 29-point explosion in the second quarter, and by halftime, Anderson led 37-0. With the game in hand, head coach Donald Hatcher emptied the bench, giving his starters the rest of the night off.
Crenshaw wasn’t the only fresh face turning heads. Junior quarterback Cove Darbyshire, making his varsity debut, looked poised and confident. At 6-foot-3 and a sturdy 215 pounds, Darbyshire completed 9 of 12 passes for 146 yards and a score. His best throw came on the run—rolling away from pressure and launching a 55-yard strike to Jay Fullmer to stretch the lead.
Fullmer, once Anderson’s lead running back, is now carving out a role as a go-to receiver with Crenshaw in the backfield. After rushing for nearly 1,000 yards as a sophomore, he now lines up wide more often, giving the Trojans another dangerous weapon in the passing game.
Anderson’s defense did its part, too. Grayson Lake, Tate Haines, and Davion Phelps each came away with interceptions, bottling up a McCallum offense still adjusting after graduating quarterback Luke Dunham and star receiver Mark Sanchez. The Knights’ only points came via a second-half safety.
As for McCallum, the Knights will regroup after a tough opener and look to bounce back next Thursday against Travis. Anderson, meanwhile, gets its home debut next Friday against Elgin, aiming to build on a dominant first impression.
On opening night, though, the spotlight belonged to Crenshaw. One play was all it took to show that Anderson’s newest Trojan can turn a game into a track meet in an instant.
