By Erik Harris
CLAY – Following a 41-40 scare at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Sept. 4, Clay-Chalkville has transformed back into the juggernaut its fans have grown accustomed to over recent years, beating its last three opponents by a combined score of 162- 17.
Who’s next up to stop that train? Class 6A, Region 6 opponent Shades Valley (2-4, 2-1). First-year head coach David Partridge hasn’t had the most stellar season, but his Mounties are building confidence with the approach of Turn 4.
Shades Valley’s recent run has consisted of a 35-0 thrashing of Woodlawn, an off week and a narrow loss to Gardendale, who currently leads the Region 6 standings. The Mounties weren’t shaken by a 22-point deficit to Gardendale heading into the final frame.
Partridge, a former Hewitt-Trussville coordinator, led his guys on a charge that ended just two points shy of the visiting Rockets last week. Shades Valley broke through a three-touchdown difference and attempted a two-point conversion that would’ve evened the score with 44 seconds remaining in the game. That conversion would fail and the visitors would lose 36-34 to Gardendale, but the Mounties surely built some confidence through their comeback efforts that could spill over into this week.
Shades Valley quarterback Claude Newell is coming off a monster performance against the Rockets. He had his way with the visitor’s secondary, airing it out for 397 yards and a pair of scores. Newell completed 25 of his 42 attempts, 12 of which went to Joshua McKenzie for 163 of those yards and both touchdowns. A big chunk of Newell’s additional targets went to A.J. Conwell who secured seven receptions for 150 yards.
Clay-Chalkville defensive coordinator Sean Talsma will be looking to slow a Mounties offense, which is coming off two games that have seen them combine for 71 points. Talsma’s unit has allowed five points per game over that same time span.
The Cougar Express will pass through Cougar Stadium on Friday night, but don’t expect it to stop or even slow for that matter.
Follow Erik Harris on Twitter @jeharris2.