By: Katie McElvy
It took the Rebels just two minutes and eleven seconds to put the game away on Friday night as they hosted Macon-East. On the first snap of the game, Luke Tarver ran in a 69-yard touchdown, and TJ Daniel scored the two points after. The Rebel defense then forced the Knights to punt after putting them in a fourth and fifteen situation. Koreen Henry took the opportunity to take the punt return all the way to the house. Luke Tarver passed to Ryan Smith for the two point conversion, and Chambers found themselves up 16-0 with nine minutes and forty-nine seconds left in the first quarter.
The Knights did put together a solid drive on their next offensive series, but it stalled just shy of the redzone. In the Rebels’ next drive, Tarver recorded two explosive plays, a 38-yard run and a 33-yard run. Henry then ran it in the endzone on the sweep followed by an extra two points by Tarver to put Chambers up 24-0.
Aiden Anglin intercepted a pass on the Knights’ next drive. Tyson Hewitt then ran in a 48-yard touchdown, and the Rebels extended their lead 30-0 to end the first quarter.
When the Knights got the ball back, Daniel pressured the quarterback forcing him to make a quick throw. Although the pass was caught, Landon Hand immediately hit the receiver knocking the ball loose. Drew Sheppard picked up the fumble and ran it in for the last Rebel touchdown of the night making the final score 36-0.
The second half shone a light on the future of the Chambers team as many underclassmen saw a lot of playing time. Highlights of the second half came from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. One bright moment for the offense was a 75-yard pass from Landon Hand to Tristan Ayers. Gabe Bridges, Colton Fuller, and Jonathan Caulfield made notable stops for the Rebel defense.
“We got off to a fast start and scored 30 in the opening quarter. Then, we got our guys out and rested them. Our twos got plenty of action which is always great for team morale and valuable experience for them down the road,” said Head Coach Jason Allen.
Luke Tarver picked up 144 yards on five carries on the ground while Koreen Henry recorded 62 yards on three receptions.
Defensively, Gabe Bridges and Austin Brooks led the way with five tackles each. Colton Fuller followed with four tackles.
Chambers will hit the road on Friday as they travel to Hooper Academy with the region championship on the line. A win would clinch the region and a number one seed in the playoffs for the Rebels while a loss would set up a three way tie with Hooper and Edgewood. If the Rebels lose by at least 15 points, their fate for playoff seeding will lie in a coin toss.
Kick-off is set for 7:00 in Hope Hull, Alabama.