
By David Holtsford for the AHSAA
MONTGOMERY – Once the dust settled in Friday night’s Class 1A, Region 4 battle between Central-Haynesville and Billingsley high schools, the host Lions not only came away with a crucial 78-72 victory in four overtimes, the two school came away with a new AHSAA single game scoring record for two teams. The wild scoring marathon thrust both small, rural schools into the AHSAA Football Spotlight for Week 6. The 150 points scored set a new single-game record eclipsing the previous record (146) set by Childersburg (82) vs. Central Coosa (64) in 2016. Billingsley’s 72 points established a new ASHAA record for points scored in a loss. The previous record, 69 points, was set last year by another AHSAA school Westminster Christian in a 70-69 setback to Central-Florence. The two teams scored 125 points in the rematch this year with Westminster winning 74-51. “This was an incredible game and a victory this program needed,” said Central’s Coach Corvin Johnson. “Our team motto is “we believe,” and everything we do revolves around that reminder. We are now 2-2 in region play with a really good shot at making the state playoffs. I am so proud of our kids. This game truly drove that message home.” Central (2-4) had 404 rushing yards, 97 passing yards and 501 total yards and scored 12 touchdowns in the win. Iyanis Wallace led the way with 19 carries for 246 rushing yards and five touchdowns, one pass reception for 37 yards and a TD, and was 2-of-3 passing for 58 yards and a seventh score. He returned a kickoff in the last 30 seconds of the fourth period from his own 15-yard line to the Bears’ 5 to set up the tying touchdown that sent the game into overtime. Wallace also had a hand in four successful 2-point conversions. Lee Moore added 10 rush attempts for 158 yards and four touchdowns. Ja’Marcus Webb snagged three passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. For Billingsley (2-4), Landon Jones was 19-of-30 passing for 266 yards and six TDs. He also rushed for 108 yards and three scores on 17 carries. He ran for three 2-point conversions and passed for three and had a hand in 66 of the team’s 72 points. Kyle Boice caught seven passes for 126 yards and two TDs, Javoris Livingston had three catches for 46 yards and two scores, Nathan Gilmore had seven catches for 87 yards and one TD, and Derriet Moore had one TD reception. Kaden Cotton also had 14 carries for 93 yards and one TD. The Bears of Coach Lanny Jones managed 266 yards rushing, 220 passing and 486 total yards. Combined, Central and Billingsley had 987 total yards. The two teams scored 22 TDs between them and 12 2-point conversions (six each) – both AHSAA state records. While the combined 987 yards is not a state mark, it ranks 10th all-time, according to the AHSAA Record Book online. Both teams are 2-2 in region play with Central meeting Notasulga Friday night with a chance to clinch a playoff berth in Class 1A, Region 4. Billingsley is at Maplesville where a win will help the Bears’ bid for a playoff berth as well.
CENTRAL, CLAY COUNTY’S HORN CLINCHES MILESTONE WIN: The record-setting game between the Lions and Bears shared this week’s spotlight with a major coaching milestone for veteran Central of Clay County head coach Danny Horn. The Volunteers’ 47-0 win over Valley in Class 5A, Region 4 last week was the 347th coaching win for Horn, who guided Clay County High School to a 224-40 record and is now 60-13 at Central of Clay County, which opened in 2012, Horn captured six state titles at Clay County and set an AHSAA record coaching 55 straight wins from 1994-1997. He has coached Central to two state titles (2018, 2019) as well – giving him eight state crowns. His combined record at Clay County and now Central of Clay County is 284-53. He compiled a 62-43 record at Benjamin Russell over a nine-year period from 2009-2017. UMS-Wright’s Terry Curtis, who was selected National High School Coach of the Year in 2022 by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association, is the AHSAA football coaching wins leader with a 351-96 record. Horn is now second with 347 wins and Buddy Anderson of Vestavia Hills, who retired as the state’s leader after the 2020 season with 346 wins, now ranks third overall. Ranked fourth and still climbing is Fyffe High School’s Paul Benefield, who captured his 297th coaching victory at his alma mater last week with a 53-6 Red Devils win over Collinsville, improved to 342-56 overall. Anderson’s 346 wins at Vestavia is stops for most wins at one school. Benefield’s 297 wins at Fyffe is second, and now retired Jamie Riggs’ 293 wins at T.R, Miller ranks third in the AHSAA. Fred Yancey, who coached 278 of his 316 overall wins at Briarwood Christian, ranks fourth, and Curtis’s 275 wins at UMS-Wright is fifth. Other noteworthy performances reported: MILESTONES/COMEBACKS
FLUFF BOTHWELL, ONEONTA: Had 447 total yards and accounted for eight touchdowns as the Redskins downed Etowah 62-36 in Class 4A, Region 6 action. The senior running back, who led the AHSAA with 3,112 rushing yards in 2022, rushed for 265 yards and five touchdowns on 24 carries, caught four passes for 122 yards and two scores and completed the only pass he threw for 40 yards and an eighth TD. He also recorded 17 tackles on defense with three resulting in losses and one quarterback sack. ETHAN WILDER, GORDO: Scored five touchdowns in a variety of ways in the first half of Gordo’s 63-0 victory over Carbon Hill in 3A, Region 5. He opened with a 56-yard touchdown run, followed by a 3-yard TD run, on his only two rushing carries on the night, He then followed a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown, a 20-yard fumble return for a touchdown and a blocked punt he returned to the end zone for a score. TRISTAN SMITH, DALE COUNTY: Rushed for 286 yards and six touchdowns on 28 carries, caught a 10-yard TD pass and finished with 315 total yards as the Warriors beat Slocomb 60-30 in Class 4A, Region 2. His TD runs covered 1, 16, 33, 20, 60 and 10 yards. His seven touchdowns and four 2-point conversions scored gave up him 50 total points scored in the win, which ranks as seventh most in a single game in the AHSAA, according to the AHSAA Record Book online. ALVIN HENDERSON, ELBA: The Tigers’ junior running back sensation had only four carries in unbeaten Elba’s 56-14 win over Red Level but gained 191 yards and scored three touchdowns for his effort. His TD runs covered 51, 37 and 61 yards. He also had 66-yard punt return for a touchdown for Elba. The Tigers (6-0) improved to 5-0 in Class 1A, Region 2, and Henderson improved his career rushing total to 5,142 yards on 386 carries (13.3 ypc) with the rest of the 2023 season and 2024 to go. He has rushed for 95 touchdowns already and has scored 99 TDs in his prep career. This season, he has 1,391 rushing yards on 79 carries with 24 rushing TDs and 27 touchdowns overall. SAVARIUS EVANS, DECATUR HERITAGE: Trailing Appalachian 7-0 with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Evans scored on an 11-yard run to cut the margin to 7-6 with 3:52 play. The Eagles scored the 2-point conversion to take the lead, and Evans scored again bulling in from the 4-yard line with 2:50 remaining, and Budda Taylor closed out the comeback victory with a 33-yard run a minute later as Decatur Heritage escaped with a 22-7 Class 1A, Region 7 win.
SAM PEEK, WOODVILLE: Had 12 tackles on defense and totaled 236 yards on offense with three touchdowns as Woodville (5-1) beat Gaylesville 23-8 in 1A, Region 7. The 5-1 record is the best start in school history for the 1A school coached by Joel Poole, who is in his first season as head coach. JORDAN GODSEY, LAMAR COUNTY: Ran for more than 200 yards for the third straight game piling up 252 yards and three touchdowns on 40 carries in the Bulldogs’ 36-32 setback to Aliceville in Class 2A, Region 5. He currently leads the AHSAA in rushing this season with 1,491 yards on 181 carries. He has scored 21 touchdowns and has averaged 36.3 carries per game over the last three contests during that 200-yard plus streak. MASON TEAGUE, SOUTHSIDE-GADSDEN: Rushed for 171 yards on 25 carries in the Panthers’ 23-13 Class 5A, Region 6 win over Leeds. Teague’s 53-yard touchdown run out of the Wildcat formation late in the fourth quarter secured the win. The Panthers (6-1) sit at the top of the Region 6 standings with a 4-0 record. Moody (6-1) is 3-0 and Leeds(4-2) is 2-1. Teague upped his rushing total this season to 1,420 rushing yards on 262 carries and 14 touchdowns, which ranks second in the AHSAA. JALEN FLETCHER, WEST MORGAN: Scored six touchdowns – four rushing and two receiving – in a 56-35 win over Deshler in Class 4A, Region 7 as the Rebels (6-0) remained undefeated and hit their average (55.8 ppg) to continue leading the AHSAA in scoring this season.
PASSING D.J. WADE, CARVER-BIRMINGHAM: Had a career high 474 total yards on offense and passed for five touchdowns in the Rams’ 70-52 loss to Fairfield. BRYON RIGGINS, RUSSELL COUNTY: Had a personal high 394 yards passing on a 20-of-32 performance fired four touchdowns in a 32-28 loss to Sidney Lanier in Class 6A, Region 2 at Cramton Bowl last Saturday. CHARLIE JOHNSTON, MOODY: Completed 19-of-25 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns in the Blue Devils’ 28-17 triumph over Springville in Class 5A, Region 6. He had no interceptions. BROWNING ANDERSON, EUFAULA: Passed for 369 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 38-37 win over Carroll in Class 5A, Region 2. Keyshawn Cole was 13-of-19 passing for 209 yards and four scores for the Eagles. He also rushed for 81 yards and a fifth TD on 14 carries in the setback. JARED HOLLINS, MARY MONTGOMERY: Named to the Alabama All-Star roster for next December’s Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic football game, the Vikings’ senior quarterback was 20-of-30 passing for 363 yards and five touchdowns as undefeated Mary Montgomery (7-0) downed Davidson 48-13 to improve to 4-0 in Class 7A, Region 1. TRENT SEABORN, THOMPSON: Led the four-time defending Class 7A state champion Warriors to a 40-14 win over Hewitt-Trussville in Class 7A, Region 2 completing 23-of-30 passes for 358 yards and three TDs with no picks. KAMERON KEENAN, RAMSAY: Led the defending Class 5A state champion Rams (5-2) to a 65-14 win over Wenonah in the AHSAA TV Network/WOTM TV Game of the Week last Thursday completing 20-of-31 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns. The victory moved Ramsay to 4-0 in Class 5A, Region 5 and improved Keenan’s passing total to 1,559 yards and 17 TDs on the season with 100-of-172 passes completed. GUNNER RIVERS, ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC: The AHSAA’s current 2023 passing leader was 13-of-17 passing in the Cardinals’ 49-3 over Orange Beach for 275 yards and three touchdowns. The freshman QB improved his season total to 150-of-235 passes for 1,985 yards and 22 touchdowns and just two interceptions. DAYLON EDMUNDS, MILLRY: Passed for 293 yards and rushed for 98 yards Millry’s 57-0 win over Washington County. PARKER ADAMS, CHARLES HENDERSON: Passed for 259 yards and two touchdowns on a 13-of-21 passing performance in the Trojans’ 30-27 loss to Rehobeth in Class 5A, Region 2. ANDREW ALFORD, CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY: Led the Red Devils to a 48-14 victory over Dothan as Central (6-0) improved to 4-0 in Class 7A, Region 2. The junior quarterback completed 13-of-23 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns to up his season total to 1,666 yards passing and 23 TDs. PEYTON FLOYD, HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE: Was 27-of-39 passing for 251 yards and one TD and rushed 16 times for 44 yards and another score as the Huskies lost 40-14 to defending Class 7A state champion Thompson in Class 7A, Region 3. JACKSON RHODE, NORTHSIDE: Passed for 249 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-27 loss to Corner in 4A, Region 5. JACOB CLOPTON, McADORY: Completed 14-of-22 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns and ran seven times for 70 yards and a touchdown as the Jackets beat Northridge 35-16 in Class 6A, Region 4. K.J. LACEY, SARALAND: Threw for 232 yards and seven touchdowns in the defending Class 6A state champion Spartans’ 59-20 victory over Blount in Class 6A, Region 1. The junior had no interceptions. K.J. JACKSON, SAINT JAMES: The Trojans’ senior QB was 12-of-13 passing for 225 yards and two TDs and rushed 10 times for 113 yards and another score as the defending 3A state champs beat Alabama Christian 42-20 in Class 3A, Region 3. GABRIEL BENTON, BENJAMIN RUSSELL: Led the Wildcats to a 50-7 win over Chilton County in Class 6A, Region 3 with a 17-of-21 passing performance for 222 yards and two TDs. He also rushed six times for 106 yards and two additional scores. BROGAN GROSS, ATHENS: Connected on 23-of-27 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Golden Eagles (5-1) to a hard-fought 34-28 victory over Cullman in 6A, Region 7. He also rushed for an 8-yard TD for a fourth score. LANDON KELLER, NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN: Completed 12-of-16 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-28 win over Sand Rock in 2A, Region 6.
A.J. LEWIS, ASHFORD: Had 307 yards total offense and four touchdowns as the Jackets downed Daleville 50-44. He was 5-of-8 passing for 175 yards and two scores and rushed 18 times for 132 yards and two TDs. MASON STUART, ZION CHAPEL: Accounted for 315 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-20 loss to G.W. Long. Stuart completed 12-of-18 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six tackles, including a quarterback sack, on defense.
MAC BEASON, GARDENDALE: Led The Rockets (1-5) to their first victory of the season with a near-perfect 13-of-14 passing effort for 215 yards and five touchdowns in 6A, Region 5. COOPER McNUTT, HALEYVILLE: Passed for 213 yards and three touchdowns on a 16-of-25 effort to lead the Lions to a 40-12 triumph over Oak Grove in 4A, Region 5. JIM OGLE, JACKSONVILLE: Was 9-of-12 passing for 210 yards and three touchdowns in a 63-14 victory over Cleburne County in 4A, Region 4. ERIC HANDLEY, PLEASANT GROVE: Was 14-of-21 passing for 208 yards and two scores as the Spartans (5-1) handed John Carroll Catholic (5-1) its first loss of the season 37-12 in Class 5A, Region 5. DEON MOORE, CENTER POINT: Totaled 262 yards on offense and accounted for four TDs in the Eagles’ 26-20 victory over Shades Valley in 6A, Region 6. He was 11-of-13 passing for 133 yards and two touchdowns and had 19 rush attempts for 159 yards and two scores. LAYNE GRANTHAM, STRAUGHN: Helped his team take over first place at 4-0 in Class 3A, Region 2 with Providence Christian with 227 total yards in a 35-21 win over Houston Academy. He had 17 rush attempts for 138 yards and two TDs, and he was 4-of-4 passing for 89 yards and a third TD in the big win.
TERRELL RUSSELL, CARVER-MONTGOMERY: Led the Wolverines to a 13-9 road win over Cedar Grove (GA) completing 16-of-39 passes for 205 yards and one TD. DAX VARNADORE, FORT PAYNE: Completed 17-of-31 passes for 181 yards and two TDs and rushed four times for 23 yards and two more scores in the Wildcats’ 49-42 loss to Lee-Huntsville in Class 6A, Region 8. His season passing totals are now 109-of-171 for 1,731 yards and 18 TDs and only two picks. JOHN PAUL HEAD, VESTAVIA HILLS: Was 9-of-11 passing for 183 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 71 yards and two scores on eight carries as the Rebels downed Chelsea 45-21 in Class 7A, Region 3. DYLAN REESE, PINSON VALLEY: Was a perfect 8-for-8 passing for 177 yards and five touchdowns in the Indians’ 61-0 win over Huffman in 6A, Region 6. BRANDON MUSCH, WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN: In one quarter of action, Musch completed 13-of-14 passes for 180 yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats’ 69-14 win over DAR in Class 4A, Region 8.
MASON MIMS, OXFORD: Guided the Yellow Jacket to a 28-25 victory over Pell City in Class 6A, Region 6 with a 17-of-21 passing effort for 158 yards and two touchdowns. JONATHAN LINDERMAN, NORTH JACKSON: Passed for 165 yards rushed for 119 yards for 284 total yards as the Chiefs beat New Hope 36-20 in 4A, Region 8. Linderman rushed for one TD and passed for another. OMARI BARROW, PIKE COUNTY: Was 7-of-13 passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns as the Bulldogs downed New Brockton 35-21 in Class 3A, Region 2. His TD passes covered 65 and 66 yards to Khalil Foster and Que Clark, respectively. BRADIN DUPPER, DECATUR: Had 220 total yards with 91 yards passing and 129 yards rushing as the Red Raiders blanked Columbia 42-0 in Class 6A, Region 7. He ran for a 21-yard TD and completed TD passes of 21 and 14 yards to Trey Greenwell and Rhys Dorsey, respectively.
RUSHING
JAYDEN GILBERT, CLEMENTS: Ran for 334 yards and three touchdowns and threw two TD passes in a 56-21 win over Marion County.
JOSH GRIFFIN, MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC: Helped the Knights (7-0) beat Montgomery Academy 48-0 in Class 4A, Region 2 with a career-high 327 yards rushing and three touchdowns on only 11 carries – upping his season total to 1,017 yards and 14 TDs on 70 rushes – a 14.5-yards-per-carry average. ZAK LAMAR, SATSUMA: Had 38 carries for 319 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Gators to a 52-24 victory over Wilcox Central in Class 4A, Region 1.
CAMERON PHINIZEE, RUSSELVILLE: Ran for 277 yards and five touchdowns on 35 carries to lift the Tigers (6-1) to a 56-19 win over Brewer in Class 5A, Region 8. CALE TITTLE, LYNN: The Bears’ quarterback rushed 32 times for 252 yards and three touchdowns and completed 4-of-6 passes for 64 yards and one TD in a 28-6 victory over Pickens County in Class 1A, Region 5. BLITZ CLEMONS, PRICEVILLE: Totaled 233 yards rushing on 23 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 42-18 victory over St. John Paul II Catholic in 4A, Area 9. KENYON CHERRY, MADISON ACADEMY: Had just eight carries rushing for 221 yards and three TDs as the Mustangs beat Madison County 63-7. Cherry averaged 27.6 yards per carry in the win. He has rushed for 331 yards and five TDs over the last two games (30.2 ypc) and has 970 yards on 61 rush attempts for 13 TDs and a 15.9-yards-per-carry average on the year. RI FLETCHER, HARTSELLE: Had 213 yards total offense and scored four TDs in the Tigers’ 55-49 double overtime loss to Muscle Shoals in 6A, Region 7. He caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Noah Lee with 14 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 42-42 to send the game into overtime. KEANTHONY WILDER, ALICEVILLE: Ran for 211 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries as the Jackets handed Lamar County its first loss of the season in a 36-32 Class 2A, Region 5 battle. He also was 6-of-10 passing for 116 yards and two more TDs. KING CAMPBELL, COTTONWOOD: The freshman running back ran for 207 yards and two touchdowns as the undefeated Bears (6-0) downed Ariton 43-7 in Class 2A, Region 2. His TD runs covered 97 and 58 yards. He also returned an interception for a TD in the key region win.
10 carries as the Red Raiders rolled past Citronelle 47-14 in 5A, Region 1.
JORDAN WASHINGTON, HELENA: Totaled 33 rush attempts for 204 yards and two touchdowns and caught a 24-yard touchdown pass in the Huskies 28-24 Class 6A, Region 3 victory over Briarwood Christian.
COLBY TEW, KINSTON: Rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries in a 52-7 Class 1A, Region 2 win over Pleasant Home. Tew scored on runs of 1, 74 and 10 yards.
BRYSON HUGHES, G.W. LONG: The Rebels’ quarterback rushed for 204 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns and threw for 114 yards and another TD with a 10-of-17 passing performance in 36-20 win over Zion Chapel in Class 2A, Region 2.
LADARIEN MILLER, MCGILL-TOOLEN CATHOLIC: The freshman ran for 204 yards and three touchdowns as the Yellow Jackets downed Baldwin County 34-20 in 6A, Region 1. BLAZE GERHART, SARDIS: Rushed 24 times for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the Lions’ 35-21 Class 5A, Region 7 win over region rival Douglas.
ENELSON DEELVA, GUNTERSVILLE: Piled up 200 rushing yards on 25 carries and scored one TD as the Wildcats beat Scottsboro 20-6. A.J. LOWE, SULLIGENT: Gained 195 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns in the Blue Devils’ 36-14 win over Greene County in Class 2A, Region 5. He now has 1,224 rushing yards this season on 119 carries with 19 touchdowns. JOHN WELSH, SPRING GARDEN: Led the Panthers’ running attack with 191 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries as Spring Garden posted a 51-23 Class 1A, Area 6 victory over Talladega County Central. Chapel Pope added 132 yards and two TDs on four carries, and Connor Bates piled up 104 yards on 10 carries with one TD. LOGAN ANDERSON, FYFFE: Helped the Red Devils beat Collinsville 53-6 in Class 2A, Region 7 with 185 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 19 carries. TRISTAN WILLIAMS, CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY: Sped 95 yards for a touchdown in what was reported as the longest run from scrimmage in school history and finished with 171 yards and two scores on just six carries as the Red Devils (6-0) beat Dothan 48-14 in 7A, Region 2.
DAYTON SWOPES, DECATUR: Rushed for 179 yards with touchdown runs of 3 and 77 yards in a 42-0 win over Columbia in 6A, Region 7. BRANDEZ EASON, DADEVILLE: Ran for 177 yards on eight carries and scored three touchdowns as the Tigers beat Beulah 41-10 in Class 3A, Region 4. He also had 12 tackles on defense. JAMAURI McCLURE, GOSHEN: Rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns on just six carries as Goshen downed Barbour County 41-0 in Class 2A, Region 3. He had TD scores covering 32, 63 and 23 yards. Teammate Jayden McNabb added two rushes for 85 yards and one TD. MAELIN JONES JR., HUNTSVILLE: Gained 169 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 30 carries in a 36-7 win over Albertville in 7A, Region 4. JOSH VARNER, SECTION: Accounted for six touchdowns and more than 300 yards total offense in a 49-26 Class 2A, Region 7 win over Ider. He rushed for five TDs in the win.
AIDEN POE, VINCENT: Ran eight times for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a 98-yard scoring run, in the Jackets’ 43-20 Class 2A, Region 4 victory over Ranburne.
BRYCE DOWDLAN, B.C. RAIN: The senior ran for 205 yards and four touchdowns in a 47-14 win over Citronelle in Class 5A, Region 1.
PASS RECEIVING
JYWON BOYD, CHARLES HENDERSON: The senior receiver caught 11 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the Trojans’ 30-27 setback to Rehobeth in Class 5A, Region 2. Henderson QB Brandon Adams passed for 237 yards on the night. Boyd has caught 42 receptions this season for 693 yards and seven TDs. TREMELL WSHINGTON, RAMSAY: Led the Rams to a 65-14 win over Wenonah in Class 5A, Region 5 with 12 catches for 186 yards. KOLBY HEARN, THOMPSON: Claimed five pass five receptions for 182 yards and three touchdowns as the Warriors downed Hewitt-Trussville 40-14 in 7A, Region 3.
PEYTON PLOTT, CARROLL: Reeled in 10 pass receptions for 178 yards and three touchdowns and also had 38 yards rushing with a touchdown on four carries in the Eagles’ 38-37 loss to Eufaula.
ANTRON MITCHELL, EUFAULA: Caught five passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns in Eufaula’s 38-37 win over Carroll. Teammate Arelious Slaughter also hauled in five passes for 100 yards with one TD.
JAMES BOLTON, MARY MONTGOMERY: Had seven catches for 150 yards and four touchdowns covering 12, 24, 2 and 42 yards in the Vikings’ 48-13 win over Davidson in Class 7A, Region 1.
JAVON ROGERS, MONTEVALLO: Grabbed 10 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown as Montevallo nipped Sipsey Valley 21-20 in Class 4A, Region 3. NICK SULEKNSKI, CHELSEA: Hauled in nine passes for 150 yards in a 45-21 Class 7A, Region 3 loss to Vestavia Hills. DAYLYN UPSHAW, CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY: Pulled down nine pass receptions for 148 yards and two TDs in the Red Devils’ 48-14 win over Dothan in 7A, Region 2.
KEOWN RICHARDSON, VESTAVIA HILLS: Snagged five passes for 144 yards and a 41-yard TD as the Rebels downed Chelsea 45-21 in 7A, Region 3. RYAN WILLIAMS, SARALAND: The junior receiver hauled in five catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-20 win over Blount for the unbeaten Spartans (7-0) in Class 6A, Region 1. The 2022 Mr. Football selection has 29 catches this season for 607 yards and 10 TDs. BRETT COLEMAN, HALEYVILLE: Managed to haul in 11 passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 40-12 win over Oak Grove in 4, Region 5. BRODY JONES, ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC: Caught five passes for 110 yards and a TD, ran 30 yards for a score and returned an interception for a TD in the Cardinals’ 49-3 win over Orange Beach in 4A, Region 1.
DEVIN GUIN, NORTHSIDE: Snagged three passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ 32-27 loss to unbeaten Corner. CLARENCE TAYLOR, PLEASANT GROVE: Caught four passes for 89 yards and two TDs as the Spartans handed John Carroll Catholic its first loss of the season in a 5A, Region 5 battle in Jefferson County. Taylor had six catches for 207 yards and two scores the week before in a 22-321 win over Parker as Pleasant Grove (5-1) knocked off another unbeaten team. He had a state-record tying 99-yard TD reception in that win. He has 42 catches this season for 944 yards and 13 TDs to lead the AHSAA in receiving yardage. GAVYNN CUNNINGHAM, SAND ROCK: Teamed with quarterback Alec Ashley to catch three passes for 106 yards and two TDs covering 16 and 80 yards. Ashley finished 8-of-9 for 143 yards. PERRY THOMPSON, FOLEY: Hauled in a 94-yard touchdown pass to lift the Wolves to a 21-17 win over Fair hope in 7A, Region 1. He also had 25-yard catch on a screen pass to set up another TD in the final period. ERICK SMITH, SOUTHSIDE-SELMA: Had a 70-yard TD pass thrown by his twin brother Derick Smith, who also had runs of 8 and 70 yards for scores as the Panthers beat Prattville Christian 30-20. DEFENSE
C.J. BROWN, CORNER: Recorded 18 tackles with two sacks for unbeaten Corner (6-0) in a 32-27 victory over Northside in Class 4A, Region 5. It marks the first time since 1964 that Corner has opened the season with six straight wins. TANNER CAUDLE, MARS HILL BIBLE: The junior safety had 17 tackles, three for losses, and intercepted a pass to spark the unbeaten Panthers (7-0) to a 45-7 win over Colbert County in Class 3A, Region 8. He also had 38 receiving yards and a touchdown on offense. WES BRADFORD, WEST MORGAN: Had 16 tackles for the Rebels, who lead the AHSAA in scoring with 56 point per game, in a 56-35 Class 4A, Region 7 victory over Deshler. COOPER SANFORD, FAYETTE COUNTY: Totaled 15 tackles in a 24-6 loss to Oakman in 3A, Region 5. JAY BURNS, DADEVILLE: Had 14.5 tackles on defense in Dadeville’s 41-10 win over Beulah in 3A, Region 4. He also had five rush attempts for 72 yards and two TDs on offense.
JACKSON DAUGHTRY, WICKSBURG: Managed 15 tackles and Drew Williams had 11 stops plus an interception in Wicksburg’s 42-6 win over Geneva County in 2A, Region 2.
KAM COTTON, DALE COUNTY: Had 14 tackles and an interception in Dale County’s 60-30 win over Slocomb in 4A, Region 2. Senior Preston Stevens also had 15 stops. LEVI MARTIN, SARDIS: Had two interceptions in the Lions’ 35-21 win over Class 5A, Region 7 region rival Douglas. Martin’s second pick came with 35 seconds left to play in regulation and Sardis protecting a seven-point lead. He returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to seal the victory.
PERRY HAND, UMS-WRIGHT: Returned an interception 15 yards for the Bulldogs’ first TD, and teammate Joe Lott added a 71-yard interception return in the second quarter as UMS-Wright downed Elberta 55-13 in Class 5A, Region 1 for head coach Terry Curtis’ 351st career win. KADEN PACK, CEDAR BLUFF: Led the Tigers with 12 tackles in a 44-20 Class 1A, Region 7 loss to Valley He, including two for lost yardage. He also completed 3-of-8 pass attempts for 72 yards and ran for 21 yards on four carries in the Tigers’ 44-20 loss to Valley Head.
LANDON CANDLER, GOSHEN: Led the Eagles’ defense with 12 tackles, including three quarterback sacks, in a 41-0 win over Barbour County in 2A Region 3.
BRAYDEN BENBOW, ZION CHAPEL: Had 12 tackles, including two for losses, forced and recovered a fumble and blocked a point after kick during a 36-20 loss to G.W. Long in 2A, Region 2.
BRODY MIXON, SAMSON: Finished with 11 tackles, a forced a fumble and he also returned a fumble 56 yards for a touchdown in Samson’s 34-16 win over Abbeville in 2A, Region 2. He also had 143 yards rushing on offense and scored on a 14-yard pass reception. BRAYDEN WHITEHEAD, G.W. LONG: Recorded 11 tackles on defense and had three pass receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown and 52 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Rebels’ 36-20 Class 2A, Region 2 win over Zion Chapel.
CHRIS BUTLER, GADSDEN CITY: Finished with 10 tackles, including three for a loss, and three sacks in the Titans’ 69-0 victory over Hazel Green in Class 6A, Region 8. KENDRELL CORBITT, HEADLAND: Had 10 tackles, including three for a loss and one quarterback sack, during the Rams’ 36-13 Class 5A, Region 2 win over Greenville.
RYDARRIUS ‘RED’ MORGAN, CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY: Swipe two passes on defense returning the last one 18 yards for a touchdown as the Red devils downed Dothan 48-14. SKYLAR TOWNSEND, TANNER: Had two interceptions on defense and caught a TD pass on offense as the Rattlers blanked Hatton 20-0 in Class 2A, Area 8. JORDAN HOLMES, PIKE ROAD: Had a fumble recovery, interception, a pass break-up and four tackles on defense as the Patriots defeated Park Crossing 27-0 in Class 6A, Region 2. He also caught a 20-yard touchdown pass. SPECIAL TEAMS TREVOR PIKE, PIEDMONT: Returned a kickoff 81 yards for a TD grabbed for receptions for 65 yards and two scores and also rushed for 62 yards as the Bulldogs downed Westbrook Christian 35-19. His first carry of the night was a 54-yarD run that set up a 4-yard TD run by McClane Mohon. The game marked the return of former head coach Steve Smith, who coached the Bulldogs to a 198-36 record in 17 seasons with five state championships. Smith took over the Warriors’ program after last season. T.J. BANKS, HILLCREST-TUSCALOOSA: Returned a kickoff 99 yards and raced 40 yards on a punt return for another score to lead the Patriots (7-0) to a 49-14 win over Central-Tuscaloosa in Class 6A, Region 4. DYLAN BARKSDALE, WHITE PLAINS: Returned a kickoff for a touchdown, has two rushing TDs and also scored on a pass reception as White Plains picked up its first win of the season with a 43-29 victory over Talladega. The senior running back and linebacker finished with 12 rushes for 102 yards, four catches for 127 yards and two kickoff returns for 105 yards – a total of 334 all-purpose yards. He also had a big night on defense with four tackles, a forced fumble, two interceptions and two other pass breakups. ZACH ANDERSON, SYLVANIA: Returned a punt and interception for touchdowns, and rushed for a third score in Geraldine’s 56-20 win over Glencoe. NOAH GREGG, BROOKS: Returned a kickoff 80 yards for one score and had three receptions for 62 yards as the Lions defeated East Limestone 52-16 in Class 4A, Region 7. KEVIN MONTGOMERY, WEST BLOCTON: Raced 89 yards for a touchdown on a kickoff return in Sipsey Valley’s 21-20 loss to Montevallo in Class 4A, Region 3. CALEB EDMONDSON, CEDAR BLUFF: Returned a kickoff 57 yards for a touchdown and had 10 tackles on defense in the Tigers’ 44-20 loss to Valley Head.
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