The Clay-Chalkville Cougars look to continue their improvements on and off the field this season. The Cougars made a deep run in the playoffs last season and look for big things this season. "When we came here three years ago, our football team had a low self-esteem," said Cougars Head coach Jerry Hood. "Last season, people really didn't look at us for much. This year, were going into the season to expect success and for character to have success. Now teams are coming after us."
Last week, the Cougars had a taste of big time football as they played last years state champion Daphne in the al.com Champions Challenge. Daphne defeated Clay-Chalkville but the Cougars found out some important things about the team. "Because we came out of the game injury free, I'm glad we got to play Daphne," added Hood. "We found out two important questions about this team. We found that we are tough enough and we have the speed to play against anybody."
The Cougars are young this season but do have some experience coming back. Clay-Chalkville has only four returning starters on offense but has eight on defense.
Clay-Chalkville offense:
The Cougars have a key piece returning this season in quarterback Jacob Thomas. The second-year starter threw for 1,615 yards and ran for 807 yards while accounting for 22 touchdowns (13 in the air, and nine on the ground). "Experience is hard to find in this league," said Hood. "Were excited to have Jacob back this season. He does so many things for this team."
Thomas has weapons to throw to. Wide receivers DeAndre Woods, Justin Burdette and Brian Clark lead the way for the Cougars. Burdette had 22 receptions for 392 yards and two touchdowns, while Woods had 19 receptions for 312 yards and four touchdowns last season.
The running game will have Kenterrius Gray and Marcus Reaves at running back. Both players will need to help out Thomas and the offense. The offensive line will have Dylan Cornelius (senior), Darius Borden (senior), Matt Allen (senior), Fred Dunn (junior) and Khalil Borders (junior).
Clay-Chalkville defense:
The Cougars defense should be a strength this year due to inexperience last year. The defense returns two juniors at linebacker. Usually if you are playing two sophomores together like the Cougars did last year, it could cause a disaster in 6A football. The two juniors, Brandon Fuller and Hunter Patterson, gained valuable experience. "We started two 10th graders," said Hood. "As the season went along, both of them played better and better, they played well. They are veterens as juniors. They know our defense and they do a good job of making the checks to get our defense in the best position." Fuller had 74 solo tackles and 73 assists along with 10 tackles for a loss while Patterson had 60 tackles and 58 assists and nine tackles for a loss last season.
The secondary should be strong as well, with seniors Jalen Reedus and Quinton Clark and newcomer free safety T.J. McCollum. Defensive lineman Cortez DeShazo leads the front four for the Cougars.
Clay-Chalkville special teams:
Kicker Robert Green, who made 35 of 40 extra-point attempts, returns this year.
Clay-Chalkville notes:
The Cougars play rival Hewitt-Trussville (week #2), Oxford (week #3), and Gadsden City (week #6) region 7 foes. The Cougars will finish out the regular season with Spain Park, a possible top 10 team.
