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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) smiles as he celebrates with his teammates following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville and Saraland shake hands following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer holds his daughter Georgia as he’s interviewed following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) smiles after being named the MVP following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) smiles as he celebrates with his teammates following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville celebrates their 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville celebrates their 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville celebrates their 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Roderick Ivy (0) celebrates a stop during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) celebrates after Saraland quarterback KJ Lacey (9) is stopped on the play by Clay-Chalkville inside linebacker DJ Barber (6) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville inside linebacker DJ Barber (6) tackles Saraland quarterback KJ Lacey (9) on the final play of the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Roderick Ivy (0) moves to tackle Saraland wide receiver/quarterback Ryan Williams (1) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) blocks Saraland wide receiver Jordan Dees (16) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
A coach hugs his daughters following the Cougars 31-28 win over Saraland in the Class 6A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a pass during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Taurus Chambers (5) is tackled by Saraland defensive back/wide receiver Xayvier Crenshaw (4) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) signals a first down during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marlon Compton (3) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. 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 the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) makes the handoff to Clay-Chalkville running back Taurus Chambers (5) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. 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 the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) runs the ball downfield during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) tosses the ball to Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Taurus Chambers (5) carries the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) passes the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marlon Compton (3) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) scores a touchdown for the Cougars during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) turns to make a short pass to Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer talks to the offense during a timeout in the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marlon Compton (3) carries the ball downfield during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) carries the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) carries the ball into the end zone during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. 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 the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) passes the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) is tackled by Saraland defensive back Arterus Moffett (13) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville cornerback Jamarqus Jones (23) tackles Saraland wide receiver Teran Senegal (18) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) catches a pass in the end zone during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. 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 the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville outside linebacker Carlos Ivy (7) blocks Saraland wide receiver CD Gill (0) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougar defense tackles Saraland wide receiver Brooks Womble (15) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville fans cheer during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville cornerback Jamarqus Jones (23) tackles Saraland wide receiver Ryan Williams (1) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) makes the handoff to Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville running back Aaron Osley (21) is knocked out of bounds by Saraland linebacker Jamison Curtis (8) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville cornerback Jamarqus Jones (23) tackles Saraland wide receiver Teran Senegal (18) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) throws a pass during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougar defense tackles Saraland wide receiver Brooks Womble (15) during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) high-fives Clay-Chalkville tight end Jabari Staples (17) and Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) after Mbakwe scored for the Cougars during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) scores for the Cougars during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Mario Craver (4) catches a pass in the end zone during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) carries the ball into the end zone during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The Cougars defeated Saraland 31-28 to win the Class 6A state title. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) runs the ball during the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. 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 the Class 6A state championship game between the Cougars and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
UAB head coach Trent Dilfer talk on the sideline during the Class 6A state championship game between Clay-Chalkville and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and UAB head coach Trent Dilfer talk on the sideline during the Class 6A state championship game between Clay-Chalkville and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Auburn running backs coach Cadillac Williams on the sideline during the Class 6A state championship game between Clay-Chalkville and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Alabama assistant head coach of offense and wide receivers, Holman Wiggins, talks with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on the sideline during the Class 6A state championship game between Clay-Chalkville and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
Alabama assistant head coach of offense and wide receivers, Holman Wiggins, talks with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on the sideline during the Class 6A state championship game between Clay-Chalkville and Saraland at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Walk of Champions ahead of the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Walk of Champions ahead of the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
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Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
The Cougars arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Walk of Champions ahead of the Class 6A state championship game against Saraland in Tuscaloosa on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney.
TUSCALOOSA – They were told all week that they couldn’t hang.
The opponent was too good, had too many big time recruits, would run by them and through them.
Clay-Chalkville High School’s football players and coaches saw all the predictions, the headlines and the social media posts.
They decided to try and do something about it, and that led to an instant classic of a state championship game.
Clay-Chalkville claimed the fourth state title in program history in thrilling fashion Friday night, taking down top-ranked Saraland 31-28 in the Class 6A title game at Bryant-Denny Stadium to cap off the Super 7.
“What a ball game,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer said following the game. “I’m super blessed and super proud, and extremely blessed to be a part of it.”
Saraland had the ball last and marched down the field in the final couple of minutes. The Spartans got close and decided to push all its chips to the middle of the table on one final play with five seconds to play.
From the 10-yard line, star quarterback KJ Lacey scanned the field for a moment before taking off and running. A couple of Clay-Chalkville defenders closed in as he closed in on the goal line. But Auburn commit DJ Barber stopped Lacey a yard shy of the end zone to preserve the lead and the victory.
“They’ve got a great quarterback who is known for his throwing ability, but can also use his legs,” Barber said. “You’ve got to lock in on your man, but you’ve got to get your eyes back around in case he does use his legs.”
After a moment of hesitation to ensure the stop was made and the game was over, the celebration — and fireworks show — commenced.
“Make a play,” said Gilmer, when asked about his thoughts before the final play. “It’s right here and the ball’s in our court.”
Saraland’s Ryan Williams showed all night long why he is one of the most sought-after recruits in America. The University of Alabama commit shined on the sport’s biggest stage Friday night, catching 11 passes for 232 yards.
Williams broke free on Saraland’s first play of the game for a 63-yard pitch-and-catch with Lacey. On the team’s next drive, he went deep again for a 77-yard score. He added a 2-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter, then returned the opening kickoff of the second half 86 yards to the end zone.
As much as Williams stole the show, Clay-Chalkville responded time and time again. The Cougars have an Alabama commit of their own in quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe.
Mbakwe led the Cougars on game-tying scoring drives each time Saraland threatened to take control of the game.
He scored on a 12-yard run to make it 7-7, scored on a 3-yard run to make it 14-14, hit Mario Craver on a 40-yard deep ball to make it 21-21 and scored on an 18-yard run to tie the game at 28-28 late in the third quarter.
He also led the Cougars on an 11-play, 84-yard drive, leading to the eventual game-winning field goal. Antone Ellison showed no nerves, drilling a 26-yard field goal with 2:27 to play to give the Cougars the 31-28 edge.
Mbakwe finished the night 9-of-17 passing for 152 yards, while also rushing 26 times for 130 yards. He also finished the game on defense, matching up with Williams some on the final possession.
“He’s done it all year,” Gilmer said. “He’s fought tooth and nail from day one. He’s such a selfless person, going from a position he normally plays and going to quarterback because it’s what best for our team. That shows what kind of person he is.”
Gilmer expanded that thought to include all of his guys, who were determined to make things right after falling short last fall and bowing out in the first round of the state playoffs.
“Extreme top-level character. That’s what’s gotten us here. They come to work every single day. That’s Clay-Chalkville football. I love them to death,” Gilmer said.
“We let them down last year and we’ve been working ever since February to get back and let [the community] know we’ve got their back,” receiver Mario Craver said.
Mbakwe could do nothing but sit down on the Bryant-Denny turf in the immediate aftermath of the game, exhausted from a game in which he capped off his high school career by effectively emptying the tank.
“Me playing here next year and winning a state championship in Bryant-Denny is amazing,” he said.
Clay-Chalkville ended up with 239 rushing yards, posting 31 points against a Saraland defense that was allowing a shade over 13 points per game.
“This O-line has been tested all season long,” Mbakwe said. “We went behind them and were able to do that.”
Craver was Mbakwe’s top target, catching six passes for 142 yards. Craver and Aaron Osley each rushed for 34 yards, while Taurus Chambers added 32 yards.
The Cougars’ defense gave up some big plays in the first half, an unusual occurrence for one of the top units in the state. But Gilmer told his bunch at halftime he wanted two stops in the second half. He got three, and that was enough.
“We had all the trust in the world in these guys,” he said. “They’ve done it game after game.”
Rod Ivy and Carlos Ivy each ended up with eight tackles to lead the Cougars. Barber had seven, while Nakarius Allen and Carson Kimbrough notched sacks.
The win gives Clay-Chalkville its fourth state championship in program history and first in Bryant-Denny. The Cougars have now won state titles in Birmingham (Legion Field and Protective Stadium), Auburn (Jordan-Hare Stadium) and Tuscaloosa.
It’s also the second title in three years for a storied senior class.
“It’s great to know that you’re giving back to the community in terms of bringing home another championship,” Barber said. “You can inspire the younger classes and show them if you work hard, you can win a state championship.”
As for all those predictions of a Saraland win, each of them made its way into the players’ group chat throughout the week. A few of them were even saved by Mbakwe onto his iPhone’s lock screen.
“If we want to win, we’ve got to lock in,” Mbakwe said of his message to the players.
They proved every one of them wrong.
