No. 2 Mustangs win thriller

Madison Academy’s Keke Matthews scores on a four-yard run with 29 seconds left to lift the Mustangs past Tanner. PAULETTE BERRYMAN

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

HUNTSVILLE — In a game featuring two of the state’s top programs in their respective classes, host Madison Academy treated a homecoming crowd to a dramatic victory over Tanner.

The Mustangs, ranked No. 2 among the state’s Class 4A teams, scored with 29 seconds remaining to play to edge 2A No. 8 Tanner 23-18 Friday night at Bill Washington Stadium.

Madison Academy improved to 4-1, while the Rattlers fell to 2-3.

“It was exciting,” Mustangs quarterback Grayson Edgemon said. “We put together about a four-minute drive and executed. We played well, and the line stepped up.

“Everyone played great. We played with passion and believed in each other, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Keke Matthews starred in the game for Madison Academy. During the 12-play, 83-yard drive that put the Mustangs ahead, he converted first downs with runs on 4th-and-2 and 3rd-and-1. He then outfought Tanner defenders to make the game’s key play, a 31-yard reception from Edgemon to the four-yard line to set up the game-winning touchdown.

“It’s always great to get a win over a quality opponent,” Madison Academy coach Grant Reynolds said. “The defense played lights out.”

The Mustangs scored on a kickoff return and a fumble recovery.

The Rattlers Chadarius Townsend, an Alabama commitment, was held to 55 yards on 13 rushes. He also completed just three of 11 passes for 13 yards with an interception by Jaelin Ferdinand.

Matthews rushed for 99 yards on 19 carries.