County roundup: Highland Home, Brantley advance; CCA falls
Published 1:00 am Saturday, November 12, 2022
In high school playoff action Friday night, both Highland Home and Brantley prevailed to reach quarterfinals in their respective classifications, while Crenshaw Christian Academy fell a game short of competing for a state championship.
Here’s a snapshot of each game and what’s next for the teams left remaining in the postseason:
Highland Home 44, Ariton 28
The Flying Squadron pulled away from the Purple Cats in the fourth quarter with an interception return touchdown by Tyler Chaney and a 32-yard touchdown run by T.J. Washington in the closing minutes of the contest.
Highland Home quarterback Brice McKenzie led his team through the air with a 13-of-21 effort for 210 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He added 62 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Keldric Faulk chipped in a 5-yard touchdown run for Highland Home in the third quarter.
Chaney and Tyzaveous Sheppard each caught a touchdown pass from McKenzie.
Chaney led the defense with three interceptions. JJ Faulk, Terrin Brown, and Cooper Ingram each recorded a sack.
Highland Home (11-1) will host Clarke County (7-5) on Friday night at Clay Jordan Stadium.
Brantley 41, Linden 20
The Bulldogs cruised to victory against Linden courtesy of a 123-yard rushing performance by Kedrick Brown, who finished his night with three touchdowns.
Quarterback Jayden Parks went 10-of-21 for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Kendrick Welch (57 yards) and Jordan Parks (26 yards) each caught a touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs will travel to face Leroy in the Class 1A quarterfinals on Friday.
Jackson Academy 22, Crenshaw County 6
The Cougars fell to Jackson Academy in an Alabama Independent Schools Association Class A semifinal on Friday night.
Crenshaw Christian’s lone touchdown came from Brayden Moore, who returned a punt 60 yards.
Cougars defensive lineman Walden Mitchell led his team on defense with eight tackles.
Crenshaw Christian finished its season with an 8-4 record.