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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate as Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) is named the Most Valuable Player of the game following Clay-Chalkville’s win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer talks with WOTM following the Cougars 46-42 win over Hueytown to claim the Class 6A state championship title at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate with the state championship hats following their 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Hueytown's Jakhael Rowser (6) is knocked out of play by Clay-Chalkville defensive back LaMar Croskey (1) in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Golden Gophers at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) catches a pass headed for the end zone in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate as time runs out on the game clock giving Clay-Chalkville the 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate as time runs out on the game clock giving Clay-Chalkville the 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate as time runs out on the game clock giving Clay-Chalkville the 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) takes the ball to the end zone in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
The Cougars celebrate with the Class 6A state championship trophy following their 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) speaks with the media following the Cougars 46-42 win over Hueytown to claim the Class 6A state championship title at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) quiets the crowd with a late score during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer holds up the Class 6A state championship trophy as he brings it over to the Cougars following their 46-42 win over Hueytown in the Class 6A state championship game at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville hoists the state championship trophey during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Jeremy Billingsley (18), Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4), Clay-Chalkville defensive lineman Mason Daniels (98) celebrate the win during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Erin Nelson.
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Jayden Sweeney (20) breaks up a pass intended for Hueytown's Jakhael Rowser (6) in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Hueytown's John Cooper (25) defends a catch by Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marquarius White (3) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive lineman Rodarius Sykes (16) and Clay-Chalkville linebacker Jordan Walker (30) pressure Hueytown's Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Ormond Wallace (12) tackles Hueytown's De’Andre Coleman (10) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville linebacker DJ Barber (26) tackles Hueytown's Jakhael Rowser (6) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Khalib Johnson (2) attepts a pass during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) runs after a catch during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Cameron Jones (10) tackles Hueytown's Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) runs for a touchdown during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) catches a touchdown late in the game during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Nate Owens (8) celebrates the win during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) celebrates a state championship during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) was selected as the 6A championship game MVP during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville DB Marion Compton (16) tackles Hueytown QB Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville DB Cameron Jones (10) and Clay-Chalkville DB Matthew Yafondo (7) combine to tackle Hueytown QB Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville QB Khalib Johnson (2) attempts a pass during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Hueytown LB Evan Brown (32) and Hueytown DB John Cooper (25) combine to tackle Clay-Chalkville WR Marquarius White (3) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville RB Edward Osley (22) avoids Hueytown DB Kameron Kynard (3) to score a touchdown during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Hueytown DL Keith Green (66) intercepts a pass during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marquarius White (3) catches a 2-point conversion during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive lineman Rodarius Sykes (16) pressures Hueytown's Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Deon Gunn (21) tackles Hueytown's Branquez Haynes (18) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back Jayden Sweeney (20) defends a pass in the end zone during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Hueytown's Stevens Hicks (57), Hueytown's Derrick Bouyer (94), and Hueytown's Jacorey Curry (55) combine to tackle Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville defensive back LaMar Croskey (1) holds on to tackle Hueytown's Earl Woods (1) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
Clay-Chalkville RB Cam'ron Williams (6) runs the football during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Todd Lester
A group of Clay-Chalkville defenders combine to tackle Hueytown RB Ja'khael Rowser (6) during a game between Hueytown and Clay-Chalkville in the 6A championship of the AHSAA playoffs on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) catches a pass in the end zone to score a touchdown for the Cougars in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) runs the ball as he heads for the end zone to score for the Cougars in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marquarius White (3) catches the ball in the end zone for the two-point conversion during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) runs the ball as he breaks away from a tackle by Hueytown's Mikel Hines (90) in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Khalib Johnson (2) runs through a tackle attempt by Hueytown's Evan Brown (32) in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville running back Cam’ron Williams (6) runs the ball in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marquarius White (3) catches a pass in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Hueytown's Kameron Kynard (3) moves in to block Clay-Chalkville running back Edward Osley (22) on the run in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
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Photo by Erin Nelson
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marquarius White (3) carries the ball as Hueytown's Evan Brown (32) and Hueytown's John Cooper (25) move in to make the tackle in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Hueytown at Protective Stadium on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. The Cougars defeated Hueytown 46-42 to win the state championship. Photo by Erin Nelson.
BIRMINGHAM – The Clay-Chalkville High School passing attack has garnered plenty of headlines this season.
Rightfully so. The Cougars’ aerial attack has been exceptional.
But the story on Friday night was Edward Osley. The senior running back, who has received a mysterious lack of recruiting attention from big college programs, earned MVP honors after a brilliant performance in the Class 6A state championship game.
Clay-Chalkville capped off an unbeaten season with a dramatic 46-42 win over Hueytown on Friday night in the 6A title game at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, wrapping up the Super 7 high school football championships.
Osley was a force, rushing 28 times for 152 yards and a whopping five touchdowns, the last of which put his team ahead for good with just over seven minutes to play in the game.
“I’m not the smartest guy in the world, but if I watched him tonight, I’d want him on my football team,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer said following the game.
Osley finished the season with 33 rushing touchdowns and saved one of his best performances for last.
"It really means a lot," he said. "I had a lot of confidence going into this. I love playing with my team and I thank my coaches for helping me get better every day."
The state title was the third in program history for the Cougars, capping off the school’s second 15-0 season ever. Clay-Chalkville also won championships in 1999 and 2014.
“I couldn’t be happier for these guys, parents, students, players, this community. It’s a great night. It couldn’t happen to a better group of young men,” Gilmer said.
The game was effectively sealed shortly following Osley's final score of the night. After the Cougars took a 40-34 lead, the ensuing kickoff bounded off a Hueytown player and shot back behind the Clay-Chalkville kickoff unit. The Cougars recovered and, shortly thereafter, Khalib Johnson hit Mario Craver on a beautifully thrown 36-yard touchdown pass to make it 46-34. Hueytown added a late score in the final minute to secure the final margin.
"I wish I could [say we designed that]," Gilmer said. "We were just trying to squib it down the field, trying to put the ball on the ground and give our guys a chance to get the ball. It just so happened it hit one of them and came back to us. I guess it was better to be lucky than good."
Johnson's final strike to Craver finished off an efficient night for the senior quarterback. The University of Louisville signee completed 15-of-19 passes for 251 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Craver led the Cougars with 126 receiving yards on six catches.
"Mario is a great receiver and he made a play for me," Johnson said.
The two teams exchanged touchdowns through the much of the first half. Osley scored on runs of 33, 13 and 2 yards in the first half, while De’Andre Coleman accounted for the Golden Gophers’ scoring on a 66-yard reception and a 1-yard rush.
The Cougars took a 22-14 lead into the break and threatened to put the game away in the third quarter.
In the third, Clay-Chalkville went ahead by two scores on Nate Owens’ 15-yard reception from Johnson. Jakael Rowser scored on a 7-yard run for Hueytown later in the quarter, but the Cougars answered right back on Osley’s 11-yard score to make it 34-20.
Hueytown refused to wilt, though. Earl Woods capped off a nice drive with a 2-yard touchdown run in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 34-28. The Golden Gophers tied it on their ensuing possession. A fumble recovery gave them a short field and Vince Tucker caught a 7-yard pass from Woods on fourth down to tie the proceedings at 34-34.
Osley was clearly not tired, scampering 27 yards on Clay’s next drive to score for the fifth time, giving his team a 40-34 lead with 7:11 to play. Osley averaged 5.4 yards per carry on the night. The game plan going in was to be persistent with the running game, knowing it would pay dividends later on.
"We knew it was going to be a big deal for us to establish the run," Gilmer said. "We can’t be impatient with the 3- and 4-yard runs because eventually we’re going to be able to wear them down."
Marquarius White, a Tennessee signee, caught six balls for 81 yards. Owens went for 24 yards on two catches and Osley had a 20-yard reception of his own.
Clay-Chalkville scored at least 40 points in 14 of its 15 games this season, the only exception a 24-18 win over Mountain Brook in the 6A semifinals against one of the top defenses in the state. That win avenged a quarterfinal loss to the Spartans last season. The Cougars won their first region title since 2015 this fall, notching wins over Pinson Valley, Gardendale (twice), Briarwood and Oak Mountain along the way.
"We played a lot of great teams this year," Gilmer said. "It wasn’t about them. It was about us and how we could execute every single play."
Clay-Chalkville defensive coordinator Matt Glover's unit was led by linebacker DJ Barber, who led the Cougars with 11 tackles on the night. Jayden Sweeney finished with nine tackles as well.
Hueytown's electric quarterback, Earl Woods, put together a great statistical night. He was 26-of-44 passing for 246 yards and two touchdowns, one to Coleman and another to Vince Tucker. Woods ran for 112 yards and a touchdown as well.
But the Cougars made life difficult for Woods all night. Rodarius Sykes earned a pair of sacks, while Cameran Jones, Devin Finley and Jordan Walker all notched sacks as well.
Coleman, Hueytown's top receiver, finished with 15 catches for 149 yards. He had a receiving score and two rushing touchdowns as well.
This year's Super 7 was the first held at the newly-minted Protective Stadium, where UAB now plays its home games. The three-day event set a new record with a total attendance of 62,544.
"This was great news for our schools," said AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. "It is also a testament to the strong support the cities and communities across our state have for our member school education-based athletics programs."
The Cougars have won at least 10 games in each of Gilmer's five seasons leading the program, twice being stopped short in the semifinals and twice in the quarterfinals. But this team refused to settle for anything less than a blue map.
"These guys did the same thing they’ve done all year, which is go back to work every single play," Gilmer said. "They believed the whole time. They love each other and play hard for each other."
