By Katie McElvy
The Rebel defense opened the first round of the AISA AAA Playoffs with a three-and-out, and Luke Tarver followed with a 23-yard pick up and a 30-yard touchdown run as Chambers hosted the Clarke Prep Gators.
The Gators were sitting at 3rd and one on their next drive, but two big stops by Tarver ended their drive to give Chambers good field position and set up a 30-yard touchdown by Quarterback Landon Hand. Tarver added the 2-point conversion to put Chambers up 16-0 early in the first quarter.
TJ Daniel tackled the Gator receiver for a loss on 3rd down to force another punt. Tarver started off the next Rebel series with a 25-yard run. Jacob Norgard added a first down, and Tarver scored another touchdown on a 32-yard run. The PAT was no good, but the Rebels were still up 22-0.
Gabe Bridges was an absolute monster on the next defensive series making two tackles for a loss and forcing a punt. Tarver found the endzone again on a 57-yard touchdown run.
The Rebel defense gave up a rare first half touchdown but blocked the PAT to keep the Rebel lead 28-6. After the kick-off, Landon Hand broke free for a 75-yard touchdown.
Norgard recorded a 36-yard run to set up the 30-yard TJ Daniel touchdown on Chambers’ next possession, and the Rebels took a 40-6 lead into halftime.
Aiden Anglin opened up the second half returning the kick-off to the 50. Jack Nelms posted two good runs in the drive before Cobie Whatley scored the touchdown.
The Gators returned the kick-off for a touchdown, but Chambers found an answer with Hunter Andrews scoring on a 66-yard run to make the final 53-13.
“It was a great start for the playoffs. Our kids came out firing on all cylinders and really put the game away early. I’ve been impressed with how our team has been ready to play each week and have avoided complacency. This team really seems to enjoy each other and the process of getting ready each week to implement a game plan and execute it on Friday nights,”commented Head Coach Jason Allen.
The Rebel offense recorded an astounding 600 yards. Tarver led the game with 179 yards on 7 carries, followed by Hand with 118 yards on 3 totes and Norgard with 60 yards on 3 carries.
Defensively, Colton Fuller, Bryce Modling, and Hunter Andrews all had 4 tackles.
“It’s getting to the end of this thing, and we understand how important each practice and each game is. This week vs Monroe Academy is a huge game as the winner goes on to play for the state championship in Montgomery. The teams have never met on the football field in the 55 year existence of both programs. Monroe has won 10 state championships and is one of the all-time winningest teams in AISA history. Our kids know what is at stake and will be ready to play in front of our fans one final time,” added Allen.
The Rebels will host the second round of the playoffs on Thursday at 7:00.
