Alabama commit Ryan Williams of Saraland dominates, but Clay-Chalkville wins 6A championship
Five-star Alabama commit Ryan Williams dominated with 343 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, but it was Clay-Chalkville who won the AHSAA Class 6A title on Friday night, defeating Saraland by a score of 31-28.
The win marks the Cougars' (14-0) fourth state title in program history and the third in the last 10 years. In the win, Jaylen Mbakwe, another five-star commit for the Crimson Tide, shined for the Cougars with 282 total yards and four touchdowns.
It was a game that came down to the final play, with Saraland's KJ Lacey coming up just one yard short of the game-winning touchdown.
Nail-biting finish
After a back-and-fourth third quarter, which started with an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Williams and ended with an 18-yard touchdown run by Mbakwe, the teams entered the final period of play tied at 28-all.
The difference came down to a successful 26-yard field goal by Antone Ellison with 2:27 remaining, giving Clay-Chalkville its first lead of the night.
Saraland had the opportunity to win the game on the final play, but a Lacey run was stuffed a yard short of the goal line.
Electric first-half plays
It seemed every time one team scored, another had a quick response.
Saraland was first to open scoring with KJ Lacey finding Williams for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Clay-Chalkville responded on its next drive with a 12-yard run by Mbakwe. Williams added two more touchdowns in the half, a 77-yard reception and two-yard run, with and Mbakwe adding two more of his own on a two-yard carry and 40-yard pass to Mario Craver to tie the game at 21-all going into the half.
At intermission, the teams accounted for 508 yards of total offense, and the game was tied at 21-all.
CATHOLIC CLAIMS 4A TITLE: Coaches confidential: Football coaches reveal where they think the Super 7 should be held
FYFFE REPEATS 2A STATE TITLE: Dynasty continued: Fyffe football runs all over Reeltown to claim Class 2A state title
Highly ranked recruits shine
Saraland's Lacey, a Texas commit, added 389 yards passing and two touchdowns for the Spartans. Alabama commit Antonio Coleman (Class of 2025) added four total tackles, with two of those being for loss.
Anna Snyder covers high school sports and University of Alabama recruiting for The Tuscaloosa News. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com. Follow her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, @annaesnyder2
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Clay-Chalkville holds on to defeat Saraland and win Class 6A state title
