The #3 Clay-Chalkville Cougars will travel to #8 Bessemer City Friday night at Bessemer City High School. Both teams come into this game with wins but one team had a huge night on offense and one had a bid night on defense.

Clay-Chalkville comes into this game with over 700 yards on offense, while Bessemer City shut out Central-Tuscaloosa last week. Something in this game has to give on the Cougars offense or the Tigers defense. "We found out the we can play really good football as a unit for two quarters and a drive," said Cougars Head coach Jerry Hood. "Offensively we played great the whole night. Defensively, we have a lot of sophomores over there and I was afraid that if something went bad, how they would respond. I found out that they will not quit so that told us a lot of who we are in one game. We will improve from here."

For the Cougars offense, quarterback Willie Miller leads the way. Last week against Florence, the sophomore completed 12-of-17 passing for 248 yards & 2 TD's. "I thought Willie was outstanding in his first game," added Hood. "He took care of the ball. He threw the ball away when we needed to throw the ball away. He really looked real natural out on the field. I was really proud of him."

Last week, the group that played the best was the offensive line. "The offensive line was outstanding for us in this game," said Hood. "I can't say enough good things about them. They were key for us to get the win." One of the leaders that did a great job last week was center Xavier Wright. The senior stands at 5-foot-8 around 220-pounds but was key on the line. Two other lineman that had great nights were Khylon Clayton and Taylor Merritt.

The lineman led the way opening holes for running back Quentin Young. Young rushed for 292 yards on 25 carries and four touchdowns. His 292 yards is a new school record for the Cougars. "Quentin is a talented kid, while he can get to full speed faster than anyone we have ever had," added Hood. "Really crafty in the box, hard to defenders to get a good shot on him usually. He can see things that other kids just don't see."

When Miller needs to throw the football, the Cougars have weapons. Nico Collins, 4-star from Scout Recruiting, really does a great job on routes and setting up his defender to get the ball at the last second. He uses his 6-feet-5 frame very well for a receiver. Can out jump a defensive back with his size and leaping ability. "Nico is a leader on the team as a senior," said Hood. "When he is doubled as we have seen before, it opens up the other receivers. When he gets his opportunities, he does a great job on making plays. He is a such a big kid he is a problem for people. When he is doubled, it gives us other opportunities to make plays for our football team." Collins has all kind of division 1 offers, but it looks like Michigan, Alabama and Georgia are coming after him the hardest.

Another receiver with a good night last week was Roderick McCloud. McCloud caught a 40-yard touchdown pass along with an 80-yard run on a jet sweep for a touchdown.

On defense is where the Cougars show some inexperience. The Cougars secondary picked off three Florence passes, but gave up 432 yards to the opposing quarterback. Sophomore Jaylin Mack lines up at safety and had one of the three interceptions last week. Defensive lineman Terrance Muse and linebacker Derrick Bean look to build on the Florence game. Bean had an interception in the game last week.

For Bessemer City on offense, the Tigers are led by quarterback Jason Foster. Foster had a slow start to the game last week against Central but came up big in the end. Foster has some weapons in versatile Antonio Stanton. Stanton can catch any pass and turn it into a touchdown. He can get the slant or the deep ball for the Tigers. Also, can run some quarterback if the need arises. Stanton can be a special team nightmare for the opposition returning punts and kickoffs for the Tigers. Also are wideouts Delvecchio Johnson and Marqus Johnson-Mason who can catch it and get some carries at running back. 

For the Tigers on defense, Jamal Brooks is the leader on the team. The Missouri verbal commit can run sideline to sideline from his linebacker position and is very quick at his position. "This team we are playing Friday night has a great linebacker," said Hood. "He can fly all over the field along with his other teammates. The defensive line plays real well with their hands." Two defensive lineman that look to play a big part in this game are MarQuel Shelton and Joshua McNeal.

Clay-Chalkville made some mistakes on special teams last week and better make sure they have the Tigers in check in that area. Bessemer City has a couple great kick & punt returners in the state. This should be one great game at Bessemer High School Friday night.