It was a tough way to open the 2018 season for the Chilton County Tigers, who lost 46-14 at home to Stanhope Elmore on Aug. 24.

The Tigers (0-1) found themselves in an uphill battle from the start, as Stanhope Elmore (1-0) jumped out to the early lead after returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

“That would knock the wind out of anybody’s sails to start the game,” CCHS head coach Tal Morrison said. “However, the kids fought back.”

Meanwhile, CCHS struggled to find a groove offensively, but the defense kept the Tigers in the game. CCHS trailed 18-0 at the half.

The special teams battle continued to go Stanhope Elmore’s way, as the Tigers had a punt blocked and allowed a second kickoff return for a score.

The CCHS offense finally got on the scoreboard with 6:24 remaining in the game following a 42-yard touchdown run by starting quarterback ShiKeem Laister, who tightroped his way down the sideline on his way to the end zone.

The Tigers scored again in the final quarter, as Devonte Robinson ran for a 10-yard touchdown to cap a drive that took less than a minute.

Both extra point attempts by CCHS were converted by C.J. Hunter.

According to Morrison, the Tigers were unable to put together sustainable drives on offense.

“I feel like if we could have done a better job with our execution, it could have kept us a little tighter in the game,” Morrison said.