By Damian Mitchell
Sports Editor
CLAY— Clay-Chalkville started their state playoff run with a 45-6 win over the Mae Jemison Jaguars and advance to the second round to face Hartselle.
Defensive lineman and Alabama commit D.J. Dale started the game off for the Cougars with a third down interception on the Jaguars opening drive that led to a three yard touchdown run by Willie Miller to give them an early 7-0 lead with less than two minutes off of the game clock. Miller also added another touchdown run from 10 yards later in the quarter to give the Cougars a 14-0 lead.
The ensuing kickoff was a surprise onside kick recovered by the Cougars. They were unable to reach the endzone but did add three points after a Jaren Vanwinkle 28 yard field goal to give the Cougars a 17-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Cougars added three more touchdowns with scoring runs from Demarcus Burris, Courtney Braxton and Damione Ward which put them up 38-0 at halftime.
The Cougars were in complete control and also added one more touchdown with a 24 yard run by Ward in the third quarter to give them a 45-0 lead. The Jags did find the endzone late in the fourth quarter after a reception by Toney Tony.
Willie Miller only had 31 yards through the air but added 61 yards on the ground with two touchdowns. Courtney Braxton added 55 yards and Demarcus Burris added 40 yards on the ground, both with a touchdown. Damione Ward also added over 50 yards of rushing as well with two touchdowns.
The Cougars will travel to Hartselle next Friday night to face the unbeaten Tigers in the second round of the playoffs with the kickoff set at 7 p.m.