James Clemens falls to Huntsville in overtime, 35-34

Devon Atkinson runs the ball on a draw against Huntsville at the Jets’ last region game. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

HUNTSVILLE – As playoff matchups were being set across the state in the second-to-last week of the regular season, James Clemens was aware its situation would remain unchanged regardless of the outcome in its last region game of the season.

Where the Jets’ focus was against Huntsville High head coach Wade Waldrop didn’t know, but asserted it wasn’t on the field Friday night against the Panthers, who were on a four-game losing streak but managed to pull out a one-point victory over James Clemens in overtime.

“That’s a theme,” Waldrop said. “We’re not playing well in the first half other than in two ball games this year. I’m beating my head against the wall, other coaches are and it’s disappointing.”

After trailing 14-7 at halftime, James Clemens outscored Huntsville 21-7 in the ensuing 29:35; Huntsville tossed a 3-yard touchdown score with 25 seconds remaining to tie the game.

The Panthers got the ball first in overtime and kicked the extra point. Junior running back Maceo Booker, who didn’t start for a second straight game, appeard in the Jets’ final drive and eventually pushed for the score on third down.

The Jets opted to go for two and seemingly won after Heath Burchfield completed a pass to Dylan Hampton, but the score was called back on a controversial block in the back call on right tackle Logan Stenberg. Stenberg gathered a personal foul, which pushed the Jets to the 28-yard line.

Burchfield’s pass was batted away by Huntsville defenders to seal the Panthers’ win.

“It’s been a long year, and our guys kept battling and kept battling and it’s great for us to get a win,” Huntsville coach Scott Sharp said.

James Clemens’ last score in regulation was a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown by Khalil McDonald. Devon Atkinson had two scoring runs in the second half, while Anthony Bolden contributed the Jet’s only points in the first half off of a 1-yard run in the second quarter.

Buckhorn defeated Region 4 winner Gadsden City 37-20, earning the team the fourth playoff spot in the region. Bob Jones defeated Hazel Green.

Nearly 100 miles down Interstate-65, Oak Mountain defeated Thompson to seal the deal on a James Clemens – Oak Mountain game in the first round of the playoffs.

Before the postseason, James Clemens has a Halloween date with 4A Hamilton, where Waldrop anticipates Maceo Booker will make his first start since Oct. 10 against Gadsden City.