Central-Clay Co. wins thriller to come away with 5A title
Auburn, AL – The Central-Clay County Volunteers (12-3) squeaked by the Vigor Wolves (13-2) 43-42 in the nightcap of the Thursday edition of the AHSAA Super 7 championships Thursday night in Auburn.
The title is the first for the Volunteers since Lineville and Clay County combined to form Central in 2012.
After a quarter and a half scoring drought JeMarcus Snow put the Wolves on the board, falling on a Central fumble in the endzone for a score. Jackson James’ two point conversion run gave Vigor a one point advantage midway through the second period.
Central took advantage of a pair of Vigor miscues late in the second as Micah Garrett scooped a Wolfe fumble returning it 24 yards for a score and Tyius Tatum picked off a Kyle Walker pass for a 34 yard touchdown.
Vigor answered back with a minute and half remaining before the break as Walker hooked up with Jackson James for a 46 yard score.
The Vols carried a 21-16 lead into the locker room.
After the break, Central increased their lead on a Quentin Knight 5 yard bolt into the endzone. Midway through the third, Artel Howell hauled in another long Kyle Walker scoring strike, this one from the Volunteer 41 cutting the Central lead to 28-16.
Howell scored again on the the Wolves next possession returning a Central punt 71 yards for a score.
Early in the 4th, Quentin Knight scored his second touchdown of the night, this one on an 11 yard pass from Ogles.
Vigor stormed back midway through the 4th as Waker found Jackson James from 20 yards out to tie the game at 36 apiece. The Wolves claimed their first lead of the contest on the next Vigor possession as Artel Howell snagged a Waker pass and bolted 56 yards for a score.
The Wolves lead 42-36 with 6:40 to play.
After a pair of three and outs Central took control driving to the Vigor one yard line where Quentin Knight punched the winning score across the goal line.
Central signal caller Philip Ogles passed for 190 yards and a touchdown on 14 of 33 attempts. Quentin Knight carried the ball 28 times for 55 yards an a pair of scores on the ground and one through the air. Javon Wood lead the Volunteer receiving corps with seven catches for 77 yards.
Vigor quarterback Kyle Walker connected on 15 of 21 passes for 337 yards and four TD’s through the air while leading the Wolves on the ground with 34 yards on 15 attempts. Artel Howell hauled in six Walker passes for 200 yards and a pair of scores.
