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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars celebrate following a 38-13 win over Parker in a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) looks to make a play as he’s pressured by Parker defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman (9) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) carries the ball during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Clay-Chalkville defense stops Parker running back Chancellor Sparks (22) on the run during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) throws the ball as he’s pressured by Parker defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman (9) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville kicker Antone Ellison (39) kicks the extra point during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer accepts the Class 6A state semifinal trophy following the Cougars 38-13 victory over Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Roderick Ivy (0) tackles Parker running back Martavius Purnell (7) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) carries the ball during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) makes the handoff to Clay-Chalkville running back Taurus Chambers (5) during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars celebrate following a 38-13 win over Parker in a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Carlos Ivy (7) pursues Parker running back Martavius Purnell (7) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) carries the ball as he’s tackled by Parker linebacker Carlton Duncan (20) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) carries the ball during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Clay-Chalkville defense brings down Parker running back Chancellor Sparks (22) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a pass as Parker linebacker Carlton Duncan (20) moves in on coverage during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) catches a pass for a touchdown during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a deep pass during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a deep pass during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) is wrapped up by the Parker defense during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville offensive lineman Jac’Qawn McCroy (72) defends against Parker defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman (9) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) makes the handoff to Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) is brought down by Parker linebacker Carlton Duncan (20) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs the ball as Parker defensive end Phillip Davison (5) moves in on coverage during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) returns the kickoff during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) looks to pass the ball during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) looks to pass the ball during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a pass as Parker linebacker Carlton Duncan (20) moves in on coverage during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) returns the kickoff during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) catches a pass for a touchdown during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville defensive lineman Avion Pickett (49) tackles Parker quarterback Cameron Jennings (18) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) returns the kickoff during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Roderick Ivy (0) moves in on Parker running back Martavius Purnell (7) during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye (14) takes the ball downfield to score for the Cougars during a Class 6A state semifinal game against Parker at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) catches a pass for a touchdown during a Class 6A state semifinal game at Cougar Stadium in Clay on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. The Cougars defeated Parker 38-13 to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
CLAY – Before Friday night’s Class 6A semifinal game, Clay-Chalkville High School coaches told backup quarterback Aaron Frye that anything could happen.
Turns out, something did happen, and Frye was ready for his moment, as his long touchdown run helped propel the Cougars to a 38-13 win over Parker. The victory sends Clay-Chalkville to its fifth state championship game in program history.
The Cougars will take on Saraland next Friday at Bryant-Denny Stadium looking for the program’s fourth state title.
Frye stepped in for an injured Jaylen Mbakwe — who sustained a big hit while throwing a touchdown pass in the second quarter — and helped the Cougars outscore Parker 17-0 over the final two quarters to pull away with the win.
“It was amazing,” Frye said of being able to lead the team to victory. “Our starting quarterback got hurt and I just came in, I performed, I helped get the team the win.”
The exclamation point in the game came on Frye’s run in the middle of the fourth quarter. He took the snap and stumbled, but when he regained his balance, he burst through the middle of Parker’s defense and was never caught. His 79-yard touchdown run made it 31-13 and all but sealed the outcome.
“He stepped in like it was nothing,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer said following the game. “Talented kid, sky is the limit for him. You talk about being prepared and taking advantage of the opportunity, I’m super proud of him.”
Frye continued what his standout teammate began. Before being injured, Mbakwe led the Cougars on three touchdown drives in the first half. He scored on a 1-yard sneak to open the game’s scoring, then threw a perfectly-placed deep ball to Mario Craver to set up the Cougars’ second score, which came on Aaron Osley’s 14-yard touchdown run.
Mbakwe then threw a 25-yard pass to Osley to make it 21-7, but he took a hard hit on the play and was unable to return. He was seen on the sidelines in the second half, and believes he will be ready to play in next week’s championship game.
“He’s fine,” Gilmer said of the University of Alabama commit. “We’ll reevaluate him tomorrow and get him going.”
Before going down, Mbakwe completed 7-of-8 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. His only mistake was an interception that star defensive back Na’eem Offord took 65 yards for a Parker score.
Clay-Chalkville’s defense allowed only one scoring drive, as Martavius Purnell scored with a few minutes left in the second quarter to cut the gap to 21-13. But Parker gained just 135 total yards in the contest against a stifling Cougars unit.
“They play super hard, they’re physical, did a good job tackling and limited big plays for the most part,” Gilmer said.
Antone Ellison kicked a 33-yard field goal in the third quarter and Taurus Chambers scored on a 7-yard run in the final minute of the contest. Chambers wound up leading the Cougars with 55 rushing yards on 12 rushes. Osley had 14 carries for 54 yards and caught three passes for 42 yards. Craver totaled 76 yards on three grabs.
For Parker, Cameron Jennings was just 4-of-13 for 35 yards. Purnell had 47 rushing yards, with Offord adding 43 yards.
Saraland blew out Pike Road 46-7 on Friday night and will take on the Cougars in the state championship game. Saraland and Clay have met one time previously, also in the state final. Clay-Chalkville knocked off the Spartans 36-31 to win the 2014 title.
This Saraland team is the defending 6A champion and is 14-0 this fall.
“I hadn’t even looked at them yet, but everything I’ve heard, they’re a really good football team,” Gilmer said. “Coach [Jeff] Kelly does a great job with them, but we’ll have our work cut out for us. We’ll be ready.”
