By Damian Mitchell
Sports Editor
CLAY— Clay-Chalkville hosts Mae Jemison this week for the opening round of the state playoffs. The Cougars enter with a 9-1 regular season record with their only blemish coming from region foe and defending state 6A state champions Pinson Valley.
The Cougars come in with an explosive offense that seemingly no problem in putting up points. Cougars quarterback Willie Miller leads an offense that averages 41.4 points per game through the regular season and shows no sign in slowing down. The key for the Cougars in keeping their momentum rolling will be the balanced attack from the offense.
The Cougars have playmakers all over the field. Miller has the luxury of throwing to receivers Jamichael Thompson and Anthony Lougheed. Logan Pruett is coming off a six catch game for 100 yards which only adds to the firepower in the passing game. Demarcus Burris, Courtney Braxton along with Miller give opposing defenses problems in the run game.
With the Cougar offense you never know who is going to have a breakout game and the confidence on that side of the ball is evident. The defense is also just as tenacious and confident.
The defense has played championship level football this season holding teams to an average of 13.7 points a game. The defense plays fast and fundamentally sound and will look to keep a struggling Jaguar offense off the field.
The Jags enter averaging 23.2 points per game on offense and has fought their way to get into their spot in the playoffs. The month of September was not kind to them as they did not get a single victory during that stretch, but still managed to get into the playoffs as the number three seed in region 8 of class 6A.
The Jaguars have an uphill battle to face against the Cougars who look to be a heavy favorite in this matchup. The playoffs are unpredictable, but this one looks to be very one sided. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday from Jerry Hood Field at Cougar Stadium.