By Britney Bailey for the Tribune
CLAY-CHALKVILLE– Another dominant performance from the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (3-0, 2-0) as they handed out another shutout on the year, this time to the Pinson Valley Indians (1-2, 0-2), 41-0.
The Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley rivalry is a steep one, with it being a regional matchup and the two schools being within 5 miles of one another.
The outcome of the rivalry hasn’t gone in Pinson’s favor lately, with Clay winning the last three matchups, this year being no different.
Running back Aaron Osley led the way with a 60-yard touchdown run to put the first points on the board, on Clay’s third possession of the game.
Clay quarterback Jaylen Mbawke had a total of five touchdowns on the night, the first coming on the ground with a 2-yard run up the middle to give Clay the 14-0 lead in the second.
Mbakwe found wide receiver Mario Craver early in the third with a 45-yarder to put the Cougars up 20-0. The PAT from Ellison made it 21-0.
Mbakwe wasted no time finding Craver again shortly after on a 42-yard floater to tack on six more for the Cougars. The PAT would be no good, settling the Cougar lead to 27.
Mbakwe’s second touchdown shuffle of the night came in the fourth on an explosive 21-yard run to put the Cougars up 34-0 after the PAT with 8:00 remaining in the game.
Taurus Chambers ended the night with a 17-yard touchdown throw from Mbakwe to secure the 41-0 victory for the Cougars.
Mbawke finished the night with 13-for-21, 5 TDs, and 256 yards.
The Indians ended up with a total of 18 penalties and only seven first downs. Indian quarterback Keyone Posey ended the night 12-for-26 and 109 yards.
“Starting behind the sticks a lot really hurt us and then keeping our defense out there too long,” said Pinson Valley Head Coach Gentrell Eatman.
“It’s just execution. We missed on a couple deep shots early,” said Clay-Chalkville Head Coach Drew Gilmer. “But in the second half our guys made adjustments.”
Clay-Chalkville will get back on the road next Friday to face Center Point and Pinson Valley will host Oxford at home.