Clay Chalkville Defense Clinches: Clay-Chalkville’s defense made a decisive stop in the fourth quarter, securing a vital 17-13 victory over Mountain Brook in the Class 6A playoffs. Coach Drew Gilmer commended the defense, noting their crucial stops and acknowledging, “At the end of the game, the defense bailed us out from a bone-headed interception to give us the win.”
With 3:11 left, Mountain Brook’s quarterback John Cooper’s incomplete pass, tipped and intercepted by Clyde Beavers, set the stage for the game’s climax. On fourth-and-5, a Cougar defensive back prevented a Spartan receiver from gaining a first down, securing victory with only 13 seconds remaining.
Led by Alabama commit Jaylen Mbakwe, who rushed for 129 yards with scoring runs of 15 and 27 yards, Clay-Chalkville maintained their undefeated record at 11-0.
The pivotal moment occurred when Rod Ivy blocked an extra point attempt after Mountain Brook’s Cole Gamble scored, limiting the Spartans’ lead to 13-10. Coach Gilmer highlighted the significance, stating, “That block made it where they had to score a touchdown. It might have been the biggest play in the game.”
Despite Cole Gamble’s impressive 186 yards on 37 carries for Mountain Brook, the resilient Clay-Chalkville defense secured the win.
Coach Chris Yeager of Mountain Brook acknowledged the intensity, saying, “This is what high school football in Alabama is about. Two good teams battling down to the end. I am proud of our kids.” Coach Gilmer expressed satisfaction with his team’s resilience, saying, “We kept battling and making plays when we needed them. I’m just glad we get to practice again on Monday.”
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