On Friday night, the 6A #1 Clay-Chalkville Cougars will travel to Warriors Stadium to play the 7A #2 Thompson Warriors. Last season, both teams won their classification championship, and a non-region week brings these two powerhouses together.
Clay-Chalkville (5-0) comes into this game with a 20-game winning streak, and their closest game this season was a 14-12 win over Pinson Valley. "We have seen some good and bad having such a young team," said Cougars head coach Drew Gilmore. "We are having some growing pains but are getting better each week. We have to make sure we need to eliminate our big mistakes. We are starting to gell a little bit better."
The offense is averaging 43.6 points per game. Quarterback Kamari McClellan runs the Clay-Chalkville offense. The junior QB transferred in from Oxford and has played pretty well for most of the season. "Kamari needs to do his job and focus on every play, " Gilmore added. "When the next one goes by, just focus on the next play." For the season, McClellan has completed 47-of-85 passing for 932 yards with ten touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Cougars have a stable of solid running backs. Rodreckus Johnson will get the balk of the carries. Johnson had 437 yards on 63 carries and seven touchdowns in the season. Zac McCray can run the ball inside the tackles or around the end for a big play. Bravis Cave can run over smaller defensive backs if they try to come up towards the line of scrimmage.
The wide receivers are probably the best in the state of Alabama. Alabama's commitment to Jaylen Mbakwe is special. He can leap over defenders for a catch with great hands and runs excellent routes. Mbakwe has 12 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns, while Mario Craver is another dynamic pass catcher. Craver is the home run threat that can make a big time anytime during a game. Craver has 12 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns for the season. Mario Byrd and Jabari Staples round out the talented receivers. Byrd can make catches in the middle of the field or on the outside.
The offensive line is excellent, and you can see why the Cougars can run the ball for stretches with their three running backs. Jacqwan McRoy is very talented and an excellent run-blocker. "Jacqwan is so big and is a big body that leans on people," said Gilmore. "He must play hard and stay aggressive on each play for us." McRoy stands at 6-foot-8, 345-pounds, and has offers from Georgia, Auburn, Arkansas, LSU, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and others. AJ Williams, Adrian Spivey, Brady Phillips, and Jayden Jones round out the talented offensive line.
The defense only gives up a touchdown a game and has played well for Cougars this season. Defensive lineman Devin Finley has a high motor and has been a leader for the defense. "Devin has been outstanding," said Gilmore. "He is long and can get after it on edge. He seems to be around the big play and plays very physically." Along with Finley, Randall Cole, and Jamon Smith around the defensive front.
At linebacker Arshaun Davis, Matthew Yafondo, D'Angelo Barber, and Deantuan Matthews round out the front seven. Barber is a sure tackler from the linebacker position. Armarius Butler, Deion Gunn, Cameran Jones, and Ormond Wallace round out the Cougar's secondary.
The Thompson Warriors lost their first two games of the season to out-of-state teams but have won three in a row with region wins over Vestavia Hills, Spain Park, and Chelsea.
Junior quarterback Zach Sims lead the Warrior's offense. Sims has completed 53-of-82 passing for 705 yards for the season with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Eighth-grader Trent Seaborn completed 13-of-22 passing for 218 yards with three touchdowns and no interception.
Running back AJ Green is unique at running back. Green has 370 yards on 63 carries with five touchdowns. Michael Dejon will get some carries for the Warriors.
The receiving play has been good. Duece Oliver has the most experience in the group. Korbyn Williams, Roman Mothershed, and Kolby Hearn will get playing time. Williams has 22 receptions for 183 yards and three touchdowns, while Oliver has 13 receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Mississippi State commitment Stanton Ramil leads the offensive line. Steven Lillich, Dylan Marquess, Hunter Holtzman, and Ryan Walker round out the offensive line for the Warriors.
The defense is good, but it could have been the best in high school football last year. Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods could be the best player in high school. He can get to the opposing QB or stuff the running play. Elijah Williams is another run stuffer. Dylan Willis, Hayden McDonald, Jacary McCurry, and Dylan Campbell will get snaps.
Linebackers Seth Hampton, Jake Ivie, Caleb Ballard, and Kelby Taylor get playing time. Last week against Chelsea, Ivie had 7.5 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Alabama commitment Tony Mitchell, Kaleb Harris, Anquon Fegans, and Josiah Ward play the secondary for the Warriors. Mitchell can play safety but has been moved to corner this season.
