By Gary Lloyd
The game last season between Clay-Chalkville and Albertville was a blowout from the opening kickoff.
Former Clay-Chalkville player Tre Hrabowski returned the opening kickoff 76 yards for a touchdown, and the Cougars went on to win, 52-7.
Quarterback Hayden Moore threw just seven passes, completing six for 94 yards and a touchdown. Running back Terrelle West rushed just four times, but for 98 yards, and caught three passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. Fellow back Sidney Battle rushed just three times, but for 60 yards and a score. Stephone Sheffield rushed 10 times for 77 yards and a touchdown.
This time around, the game is at Albertville, and kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Clay-Chalkville may not be able to run the ball quite as easily this go-around, with the emergence of 6-foot-5 senior defensive lineman Tyler Jones. Jones, who totaled more than 20 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season, holds scholarship offers from UAB, Memphis, Troy, Jacksonville State and Samford. Jones may see action for Albertville at left tackle, too.
His presence will be a key focus for a stout Clay-Chalkville offensive line, which includes Ron Hawkins, Austin Sizemore, NeKiah Hinton-Johnson, Matt Reeves and Josh Davis, among others.
This will be the first of three consecutive road contests for Clay-Chalkville, which travels to Pell City next week and Pinson Valley on Sept. 27.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.