Staff Reports
SAND ROCK – Sand Rock junior quarterback Alec Ashley has had some impressive passing performances throughout his varsity career, but nothing quite like Friday night against region rival Cedar Bluff.
Ashley completed 27-of-35 pass attempts for 462 yards and eight touchdowns in leading the Wildcats to a much-needed 68-40 Class 2A, Region 7 victory that keeps their playoff hopes alive. The win improved their record to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in region play.
Ashley’s eight touchdown passes are tied for the second most touchdowns passing in a game in Alabama High School Athletic Association history. Berry’s James Raines and Victory Christian’s Brent Gulledge both have the record with nine touchdown throws in 2015 and 2004 respectively.
Ashley’s eight passing touchdowns tie him for third in the most touchdowns accounted for in a game. Decatur Heritage’s Brayden Kyle holds the state record of 11 set back in 2021.
Ashley also ran for 27 yards on six carries. He finished with 489 total yards, which also ties him for third in state history in all-purpose yards behind Arab’s Drew Puccio (501 yards in 2024) and Lawrence County’s Brody Sparks (499 yards in 2020).
Ryker Woodall was Ashley’s top receiver. He caught 13 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Brendon Lindsey had six receptions for 102 yards and three scores. Alex Stone also snagged six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. Lathan Amos added two catches four 62 yards and a score.
As a team, the Wildcats’ 68 points on Friday are the most ever scored by a Sand Rock team according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society website.
“Offensively we played well throughout the entirety of the game,” first-year Sand Rock coach Tanner Nelson said. “We threw the ball well and caught the ball. We’re happy we’ve got these guys and we continue to improve.”
Nick Clanton led the Wildcat ground game with 41 yards on five carries with a touchdown.
Sand Rock built a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 28-14 advantage at halftime. Ashley and Woodall connected on a long score on the last play of the second quarter to provide the Wildcats a two-touchdown advantage at halftime.
Sand Rock increased its lead to 42-21 at the end of three quarters. Isaiah Lewis had a 40-yard scoop-and-score for the last Wildcat touchdown.
Fischer Young topped the Tigers (2-7, 1-5) by completing 6-of-12 passes for 191 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Jones caught four passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Sam Payne posted three catches for 104 yards and a score. He also ran for 50 yards and a touchdown on just four carries.
Jeremiah Miller led the Tiger rushing attack with 97 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown.
Sand Rock travels to Gaston on Friday. Cedar Bluff has an open date.
Cherokee County Post Herald Sportswriter Roy Mitchell contributed to this report.
