Mountain Brook Spartans Triumph in Semifinal: Mountain Brook High School head football coach Chris Yeager wasn’t letting his mind drift away. All week, he had his team dedicated to the task at hand, with each practice taking precedence. This Friday night, their focus was on a Class 6A semifinal against Muscle Shoals.
Yeager’s laser focus on every play paid off, and with 90 seconds left on the clock, he allowed himself a moment to realize the Spartans had triumphed over Muscle Shoals, securing a spot in the 6A state championship.
“I haven’t allowed myself to think about the state championship,” Yeager admitted post-game. “We’ve been focused on the next play, being great blockers, tacklers, securing the football, and finishing each play.”
Mountain Brook, with a record of 12-2, heads to the state title game for the first time since 1996, facing Saraland’s Spartans at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn next Friday.
The team, after a two-hour journey north, continued their season-long dominance, overwhelming Muscle Shoals with a tenacious defense. They shut down the running back duo of Jaelin Goodwin and Devin Townsend. Cole Gamble led the offensive charge, running 25 times for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
“I’m so proud of my guys. These guys are my brothers. I’m glad that wasn’t my last game playing with these seniors. We’re not satisfied. We’ve got one more,” expressed Gamble.
Muscle Shoals (12-2) initially challenged the Spartans, scoring on a 22-yard pass from Seth Mosley to Bryant Basden after a quick punt. However, Mountain Brook responded with three consecutive scores, securing a 21-7 lead at halftime.
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Gamble’s 36-yard scoring run in the first quarter, followed by a 1-yard plunge in the second, and a perfectly executed two-minute drill resulting in a 9-yard touchdown by Will Waldrop, showcased Mountain Brook’s offensive prowess.
The second half belonged to Mountain Brook’s defense, with key plays like Parker Avery’s sack pushing the Trojans out of field goal range. Tucker Crawford’s critical pass breakup and subsequent interception further solidified their dominance.
Colvin’s 9-of-15 passing for 148 yards, Sanderson’s five catches for 84 yards, and Beatty’s 44 yards on two catches highlighted the Spartans’ well-rounded performance.
Despite previous semifinal setbacks, the 2022 squad broke through, and the postgame celebration reflected their determination to reach the state title game, aiming to secure their first victory since 1976.
“There’s nothing in our fieldhouse that talks about winning a championship. It’s about being a champion, being the kind of person that’s a champion,” emphasized Yeager. “Whether we won this game or not, that’s what these kids are.”
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