Staff Reports
MONTGOMERY – Eleven area football players and Cherokee County head coach Jacob Kelley were recognized for their performances early Tuesday morning in the AHSAA’s Football Spotlight for the first week of the state playoffs.
Kelley earned his 50th career win in the Warriors’ 56-28 victory over Central-Florence. Kelley is 42-16 with the Warriors in five seasons.
Senior running back Jacob Cornejo helped Kelley achieve the milestone win. He ran for 300 yards on 19 carries and scored five touchdowns to lead the Warriors (10-1) 56-28 victory Central-Florence in first round of the 4A state playoffs. His TDs came on runs of 37, 57, 3, 3 and 14 yards. Cornejo compiled 224 yards on 11 carries with three scores in the first half.
Piedmont stunned J.B. Pennington 44-14 behind an all-around performance from Ishmael Bethel. Bethel intercepted three passes, returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and caught a 68-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cole Wilson to lead the Bulldogs (6-5).
Wilson was 8-of-13 passing for 204 yards and two touchdowns, with Trevor Pike collecting three receptions for 94 yards and a 42-yard score.
Hayes Gunn also rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns (1, 4 and 35 yards) on 24 carries. Kicker Chase Cardelli also booted a 37-yard field goal just before halftime to give Piedmont a 30-0 lead at halftime.
Collinsville’s season ended at Southeastern on Thursday night despite several remarkable Panther performances.
Quarterback Mason McAteer completed 14-of-27 pass attempts for 135 yards and a 52-yard touchdown to Gavin Lang. He also ran 11 times for 79 yards.
Quintavious Rogers had 14 rush attempts for 80 yards and two touchdowns (3 and 1 yards). He also had three kick returns for 77 yards.
Tytan Morgan also highlighted a strong kicking game for the Panthers (8-3), with three punts for a 44.7-yard average. His long was 57 yards.
And Spring Garden’s season came to a close with a 28-0 loss to Coosa Christian on Friday. Senior Chapel Pope posted 10 tackles to lead the Panther defense. Spring Garden finished its first season under new head coach Barrett Ragsdale at 8-3.
You can read all about this week’s complete honorees at the link below.