By Britney Bailey
For The Tribune
CLAY — The Clay-Chalkville Cougars secured the 6A Region 6 regional championship with a 25-20 win over Oxford Friday night at home.
Clay-Chalkville wide receiver Marlon Compton (File Photo by Ron Burkett)
Oxford saw the end zone late in the first quarter to take the first lead of the game. The Cougars answered immediately in the second quarter with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jaylen MBakwe, the Cougars’ starter for the night, to Marlon Compton for six. Daniel Diaz added on a PAT to tie it up 7-7.
Rodrekus Johnson ran it in for the Cougars just under two minutes later to give the Cougars their first lead of the night 13-7 after Diaz’s PAT attempt was blocked.
The third quarter had the Cougars’ name on it. Aaron Osley scorched the Jacket defense on a 66-yard touchdown run to put up six after another unsuccessful PAT attempt.
The Yellow Jackets fumbled the kickoff on their next possession, handing the ball back to the Cougars. Kamari McClellan came in and found Mario Craver for 23-yards to increase the Cougar lead to 18 after a failed 2-point conversion attempt.
Jaylen Mbakwe left the game injured with an apparent knee injury just under 3 minutes to go in the third and did not return.
Oxford found a way through the Cougar defense in the fourth to make it a 25-14 ballgame. The Jackets found the end zone yet again the fourth with 1:52 remaining to turn the heat up on the Cougars cutting their lead to 5. Clay’s defense held on, securing the 25-20 win and another regional title for the Cougars.
“Great win. I’m proud of our guys. It’s a big accomplishment for us.” Head Coach Drew Gilmer said of the Cougars’ championship victory.
McClellan ended with 8-13, 92 yards and 1 touchdown. Jaylen Mbakwe went 3-5 and 19 yards at quarterback, and had 24 yards rushing. Aaron Osley led the Cougars with 128 yards on 14 attempts, and 1 touchdown. Jamon Smith led the Cougar defense with 5.5 tackles, 5 solo, and 2 sacks.
The Cougars take on regional opponent Shades Valley on the road next Friday, October 21st at 7pm.
