Britney Bailey, for the Tribune
SHELBY COUNTY- The Clay-Chalkville Cougars began what has been deemed the “Redemption” season in true Cougar fashion.
The Cougars handed Briarwood Christian a 31-0 shutout Friday night on the road in Lions Pride Stadium. Clay defeated Briarwood 48-0 to open last season.
Giving this season the title of “redemption” is fitting for the Cougars after their early exit to Parker in last year’s playoffs.
Alabama five-star commit Jaylen Mbakwe led the Cougars to the dominating win in his first start at quarterback.
Mbakwe found wide receiver Jabari Staples late in the first quarter for a 17-yard touchdown to put the Cougars on the board first. The PAT by Antone Ellison gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead.
The Cougar defense, led by Auburn commit DJ Barber and senior Carlos Ivy, did not shy away from handling business. The defensive duo helped the Cougar defense to hold the Lions to 35 yards of total offense and complete only four passes.
Mbakwe had no problem finding the end zone again at the top of the second quarter on a 26-yard rip up the left side to tack on six more for the Cougars. With another successful PAT, Ellison put the Cougars up 14-0.
Taurus Chambers added six more for the Cougars after barreling over Briarwood defenders for a 23-yard touchdown run. The PAT gave the Cougars a 21-0 lead going into the half.
A failed fourth-down attempt by Briarwood gifted the Cougars possession in Lion territory in the third quarter.
Cougar running back Aaron Osley took full advantage of the Lions’ mistake and hit pay dirt on a 38-yard touchdown run. Ellison delivered once again on the PAT to push the Cougar lead to 28-0.
Ellison added three more points with a 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to end the scoring at 31-0.
“Wasn’t a clean game; that’s what you expect the first game of the year, we have a lot of things to clean up, little mistakes here and there,” Cougar Head Coach Drew Gilmer said of their win, “I thought our kids played hard, thought we played with a high energy level, and laid it all out on the field, I’m proud of them.”
The Cougars remain on the road to face Hueytown next Friday, September 1st, at 7 pm