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By Scott Mims | Special to The Advertiser

CALERA — Friday night’s game between Calera High School and Chilton County High School was a tale of two halves—halves that were nearly mirror images of each other.

Despite Calera scoring right out of the gate, Chilton dominated the first half, racking up three touchdowns and leading 21-7 at halftime. But the second half was all Calera, as the Tigers did not capitalize on opportunities to extend their lead or keep the Eagles’ offense grounded.

“Our OC and DC, they made great halftime adjustments,” said Calera coach Scott Rials. “Our guys believed they could do it. They really committed and believed in each other. I’m really proud of our guys and our coaches. We really took the fight to them in the second half, and that was some good Calera Eagle football.”

Adjustments were also key for CCHS, in terms of defensive strategy, which helped them in the first half according to coach Eddie Wall. He took credit for the moment he felt that the game’s momentum shifted away from the Tigers:

“We came out of halftime and got a defensive stop. Our offense went on a pretty good drive, we got inside the 20 and instead of kicking the field goal I felt like they could get the first down but they didn’t. I should have kicked a field goal right there, but I didn’t. I don’t kick the field goal and then they turn around and get the big touchdown,” Wall said.

Added Wall, “I just want the kids to keep fighting. I love these kids, but we’ve got to learn how to play four quarters.”

Calera scored the only touchdown of the first quarter, and it was 7-0 going into the second.

All three of Chilton County’s touchdowns occurred in the second quarter—a D.K. Wright score was bookended by two Luke Moatts touchdowns. Cadyn Tinsley made an interception for the Tigers as well. All extra points were good, resulting in a 21-7 score at the half.

The Eagles had their moment in the fourth quarter, when they quickly pulled away from the Tigers. This was partly thanks to Demetrius Davis, who scored twice and rushed 84 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback A.J. Johnson completed 11 of 22 passes for a total 208 yards and two touchdowns; he also rushed for 76 yards. In addition, J.D. Henderson rushed for 10 yards.

Receiving for Calera, K.D. Young totaled 96 yards and one touchdown; Cameron Hagle had 82 yards and a touchdown; and Elijah Bates had 28 yards.

Defensively for Calera, Josh Littleton made a 38-yard interception return and scored a touchdown.