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By ZACHARY SEIFTER/ Staff Writer

At this point in the season, all games matter for teams fighting for playoff positioning. A win or loss could be the difference between playing beyond the regular season or going home. Billingsley High School punched its ticket into the postseason in week nine thanks to a win over Barbour County on homecoming night. A late-season surge by the Bears has allowed them to opportunity to keep going, while some other teams in Chilton County looked to improve their playoff chances. Here are how those games went.

 

Maplesville 61

Verbena 20

 

A week after knocking off Notasulga, Maplesville clinched the regional championship with a win over Verbena.

Maplesville dominated from the start. The offense scored on four straight drives in the first quarter, giving Maplesville an early lead.

However, Verbena climbed back into the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown by D.J. Jackson, as well as a couple of deep touchdowns to Jackson and Jarod Quinn. With little time in the half, Maplesville only led by 15 points.

A late touchdown for Jakavion Jackson gave Maplesville a 41-20 lead going into halftime. Maplesville then pulled away for good in the second half, winning the game and the regional championship.

 

Isabella 62

Central Coosa 0

 

Isabella knocked off Central Coosa to improve its winning streak to six games. The Mustangs also recorded their first shutout of the season.

The Mustangs dominated this game on both sides of the ball. DreVon Lee led the way on defense, intercepting three passes, one of which he took back for a touchdown.

On offense, it was once again running back Zac Chapman leading the way. Chapman picked up 117 yards on five carries, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards on the season.

Isabella remained perfect in regional play with the win, improving its record in regional games to 5-0.

 

Benjamin Russell 28

CCHS 14

 

Chilton County High School dropped its third straight game, falling at the hands of Benjamin Russell. The loss brings the Tigers’ record to 2-6 on the season while Benjamin Russell’s record also stands at 2-6 following the victory.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, as the teams traded touchdowns in the first and second quarter, bringing the score to 7-7 at halftime. After a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter, Benjamin Russell held a 21-14 lead going into the final quarter, where the Wildcats scored one more time to finish off the victory.

 

Luverne 48

Thorsby 6

 

Thorsby fell at the hands of Luverne High School to drop its record to 5-3. The loss ended the Rebels’ two-game winning streak.

The Tigers were able to jump out to an early lead in this game, scoring a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, and then another in the second quarter to take a 20-0 lead into halftime.

Unfortunately, the second half was not much better for the Rebels, as they gave up three more touchdowns in the third quarter and another in the fourth.

The offense was able to finally get on the scoreboard in the last quarter, but it was too late as Luverne moved its record to a perfect 7-0 on the season.

 

Central Tuscaloosa 40

Jemison 10

 

Jemison High School once again was unable to pick up its first win of the season in week nine, falling to Central Tuscaloosa. Jemison’s record fell to 0-8 with the loss.

The Panthers had difficulties on both sides of the ball. The defense was unable to contain a Falcons offense that has now recorded 123 points combined in their three wins.

On offense, the struggles continued for a unit that has averaged just over 11 points per game, scoring just 10 in the loss.

Jemison will once again try to capture its first win in week 10 against Shelby County High School.