By Erik Harris
Trussville Tribune writers Erik Harris, Chris Yow and Kyle Parmley will be awarding Players of the Week in each high school football matchup of the 2015 season. Players or position groups will be awarded based on more than just statistics. The awarded player(s) will also be evaluated based on the timeliness of their performance. Tribune Players of the Week will be announced weekly on Tribune Sports Live.
Clay-Chalkville 45, Austin 35
Defensive linemen Cole Baker (43), Kyle Cobb (55) and Qutavius Barber (44) following last Friday’s semifinal win in Decatur. Photo by Chris Yow
Clay-Chalkville’s offense, which is averaging just over 50 points per game, found the end zone late to put the semifinal clash with No. 8 Austin out of reach, but it was the timely stops by the defense that introduced the opportunity. Senior defensive linemen Qutavius Barber and Cole Baker played inspired in the win, landing the Cougars in their second Super 7 championship game in as many years. Barber and Baker had a lot to do with the unit’s efforts to keep speedy Black Bear quarterback Victor Garth uncomfortable. Garth – a one-man wrecking crew in his team’s quarterfinal win over No. 10 Gardendale a week earlier – was held somewhat in check by Sean Talsma’s defense. He only ran for 78 yards and a touchdown compared to 281 yards and six scores against the Rockets. With Barber and Baker setting the edges, Garth had nowhere to run. His 38 percent completion percentage (14-of-37) wasn’t good enough to advance to Tuscaloosa. Barber and Baker are awarded by Erik Harris.
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter@jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.
