By Kyle Parmley
CLAY — Clay-Chalkville released its 2015 football schedule last week and looks to defend its class 6A state crown this fall.
The Cougars will take to the national stage once again to open the season Aug. 22. They will travel to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to take on Blackman (Tenn.) at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium, on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University. Hoover will join them up north, as the Bucs will play Oakland (Tenn.) the same day. Clay-Chalkville’s game is at 3 p.m.
The opener will be followed by three straight road games for Clay-Chalkville, as the Cougars will make the trek to Minor on Aug. 28, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on Sept. 4 and Huffman on Sept. 11 before playing a game at Cougar Stadium. The Cougars toppled all three teams last season at home and are making return trips this season.
Clay-Chalkville kicks off the home schedule with a matchup against local rival and region foe Pinson Valley on Sept. 18. The Indians gave the Cougars one of their toughest tests of the season last year, only falling by 10, 45-35.
Clay-Chalkville’s bye week is Sept. 25.
As members of Class 6A, Region 6, the Cougars will also play games against Center Point on Oct. 2, Shades Valley on Oct. 9, at Woodlawn on Oct. 16, and Gardendale on Oct. 23, before finishing out the season at home against rival Hewitt-Trussville on Oct. 30.
The Cougars will begin the season looking to extend a 15-game winning streak, thanks to the campaign put together last season, the first official undefeated season in school history and the school’s second state championship.