All four Crenshaw County teams took the field Friday, nearing the end of regular season play with championship competitions in their sites.

Luverne School

The Tigers defeated Lafayette Friday, in a shutout 36-0 game, wrapping up the team’s regular season at 7-3.

Head coach Ed Rigby said the Tigers gained the advantage early, allowing the Bulldogs no chance to catch up.

“We were able to jump on it fast and early, taking our opening drive down the field and scoring,” Rigby said. “That set the tempo and once we settled in, we were able to move the ball consistently.”

Tavion Rainey led the team’s offense, Rigby explained, with 11 carries for 125 yards. And while Rigby noted Rainey lacked touchdowns this week, he was instrumental in getting the ball down the field to the end zone.

Myrez Gross led in scoring, with eight carries for seven yards and two touchdowns. Gross also threw one 11-yard touchdown pass to Kameron Whatley.

Wyatt Cornett gained the most tackles, securing six, while many others on defense had three, Rigby noted, and Carson Simmons made an interception.

“We played hard and no one got hurt,” Rigby said. “We ran the ball really well and were able to three-and-out them a lot. The night was good for us and it’s good to end the season going into the playoffs.”

Tigers are off on Nov. 3 and travel to face Cottonwood for postseason play on Nov. 10.

Crenshaw Christian Academy

Crenshaw Christian Academy triumphed over Snook Christian Academy Friday, with an overwhelming 62-0 win.

Head coach Brandon Burleson expressed his gratitude for the way the Cougars welcomed him into his first season as coach and athletic director.

“I’m really indebted to this group of seniors this year,” Burleson said. “They really took to me and the new coaching the staff was trying to bring in. Even though we came in so late, they really stood up as leaders for a lot of young guys.”

One of those seniors, No. 7 Brayden Moore, made 56 passing yards, six carries, and 64 running yards. Drake Mills also had eight carries for 125 yards, while junior Jake Lawrence made 17 carries for a total of 213 yards. Lawrence also found the end zone for two of the Cougars eight touchdowns.

Now 7-4 overall and 2-2 in the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Class A Region 1, Burleson noted the team had setbacks early in the season.

“We had a lot of ups and downs, injuries and adversity,” he said. “But you know, each team does. In their own way, this group of seniors really stood up and made sure that they held together. We all kept fighting to go forward. I’m really excited for the future of CCA football.

The Cougars will travel to meet Jackson in the first playoff round on Nov. 3.

Highland Home School

The Flying Squadron ended a season-long winning streak, suffering a 21-14 loss to undefeated Reeltown Friday.

Head coach Will Pouncey said the game was a hard-fought battle, one that did not dampen the teams’ spirit.

“It was devastating, but the sun still came up [afterward],” Pouncey said. “We’re going to be alright.”

According to Pouncey, the Squadron struggled against the Rebel’s defense through the first half of the game.

“When we came out of the gate, Reeltown did a really good job,” he said. “They drove down and scored, and we turned the ball over on a miscommunication on a snap and gave them a really good field position.”

As half-time approached, the Rebels led 13-0, Pouncey recalled.

“We fought hard and battled,” Pouncey said. “It was kind of a stalemate the rest of the first half.”

In the second half, Highland Home scored on the first possession, followed by a Rebels’ touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Squadron scored again but could not close the gap to pull ahead.

“Reeltown did a really good job of holding onto the ball,” Pouncey said. “We couldn’t get our defense off the field, but they did a really good job of containing them. That’s the lowest output of scores Reeltown has had all season.”

The Squadron have Nov. 3 off and will host Ariton on Nov. 9 in the first rounds of playoffs.

Brantley School

The Brantley Bulldogs, now 5-4, tamed the Red Level Tigers with a 54-13-win Friday.  The game is featured as The Luverne Journal’s game of the week, coming soon.

Ranked at third in Class 1A, Region 2, Brantley will host Senior Night as a wrap-up to the season against Florala on Nov. 3.