By Erik Harris
CLAY – The season-ending injury to Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Zac Thomas definitely takes some flare out of the upcoming clash between the Huskies and Class 6A No. 1 Clay-Chalkville.
Thomas was the senior leader of the Huskies’ offense, which was averaging 32.1 points per game heading into last week’s struggle with Hoover, but a broken leg has now taken him out of the huddle and replaced him with sophomore Davis Burgin.
Hewitt-Trussville and Clay-Chalkville will do battle for the 19th time this Friday night in Cougar Stadium. The Cougars lead the overall series 12-6. Photo by Ron Burkett
Burgin moved the offense in the second half against the Bucs, but could never produce any points in a 38-0 defeat. With senior signal caller Ty Pigrome taking snaps for the opposition, Burgin must find a way to get familiar with the end zone if Hewitt-Trussville has any hopes of pulling the upset.
“(Hewitt-Trussville) is a great team. It’s a rivalry, so you know there’s going to be juice around a rivalry. We’ve just got to come out and play hard and play for four quarters,” said Clay-Chalkville cornerback C.J. Toney.
Pigrome and the Cougars have scored 50 or more points in five consecutive outings. Two of those opponents (Pinson Valley and Woodlawn) were gashed for 65 points or more.
The Huskies need their veteran defenders, particularly senior linebackers Jalen Williams, Bailey McElwain and Jaison Williams, to tackle well in space and create some negative plays. Those three have served as playmakers all season, combining for 35 tackles for loss through nine games.
While Brandon Berry has been the primary ball carrier for Clay-Chalkville this season, A.J. Walker has proven to be a bruising offensive weapon. Walker went for 134 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes last week against Gardendale.
Berry, the lightning of the thunder and lightning duo, added another 129 yards in the slaughter of Gardendale’s defense.
That fierce rushing attack will be harder to find against a strong Hewitt-Trussville defense, but expect the 25th straight Clay-Chalkville win this Friday night at Cougar Stadium.
Hewitt-Trussville team leaders
Passing: Zac Thomas: 103-of-169 (61 percent) for 1,460 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Rushing: Jarrion Street: 187 rushes for 1,198 yards (6.4) and 14 touchdowns. Thomas: 172 for 829 yards (4.8) and five touchdowns.
Receiving: Elliott McElwain: 35 catches for 450 yards (12.9) and two touchdowns. Noah Igbinoghene: 23 catches for 397 yards (17.3) and six touchdowns.
Tackles: Nicholas Jackson: 89 total tackles, 9.9 tackles per game and seven tackles for loss. Jalen Williams: 79 total tackles, 8.8 tackles per game and 13 tackles per loss.
Interceptions: Seth Keahey: three interceptions and four passes defended.
Clay-Chalkville team leaders
Passing: Ty Pigrome: 100-of-146 (68 percent) for 1,887 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Rushing: Brandon Berry: 73 rushes for 622 yards (8.5) and five touchdowns. Pigrome: 66 rushes for 605 yards (9.2) and eight touchdowns.
Receiving: Nico Collins: 37 catches for 758 yards (20.5) and 11 touchdowns. T.J. Simmons: 20 catches for 626 yards (31.3) and 10 touchdowns.
Tackles: Nick Battle: 31 tackles, 15 assists and five passes broken up. Terrence Muse: 30 tackles and 25 assists.
Interceptions: C.J. Toney: three interceptions and four passes broken up. Amari Holloway and Jamarlin Sewell each have two interceptions.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.
