Madison Academy solid in first-round rematch win over Hokes Bluff

HOKES BLUFF – Madison Academy opened last year’s high school football playoffs by defeating Hokes Bluff in the first round on the way to an appearance in the state championship game.

A year later, but in a higher classification this time, the Mustangs can only hope the same fate awaits following another opening round win over the Eagles.

Madison Academy scored two touchdowns in both the first and second quarters and kept Hokes Bluff at length in the final half for a 28-7 Class 4A victory Friday night.

Freshman quarterback Charleston Owens threw three touchdown passes; Mike Wiggins got an early one-handed interception to help set the tone for a defense that received a shot in the arm from Jack Doyle in his first start of the season as the Mustangs advanced to the second round.

“We had an excellent first half and then we did what we needed to in the second half,” Madison Academy head coach Bob Godsey said. “Just really proud of our guys in all facets of the game, played with so much confidence and played hard. It was fun to be a part of that.’’

Madison Academy (7-4) will host unbeaten West Morgan (11-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. at Bill Washington Stadium. The fourth-ranked Rebels advanced with a 45-0 home win over Fayette County.

Owens threw TD passes to Kahleel Green, AJ Rice and Josh Williams. Williams rushed for 201 yards on 38 carries. Rice, a Mississippi State linebacker commit, made 14 tackles and Doyle added 11.

“Defensively, we just had guys all over the place,” Godsey said. “Jack Doyle is a senior that had been hurt most of the season, got hurt in camp and came back tonight. Well, he’s been back the last couple of weeks but got his first start tonight and made a bunch of plays for us.

“Once again, we had good play out of our offensive line and our freshman quarterback did an excellent job distributing. He threw a big-time touchdown pass early. Josh Williams, of course, did Josh Williams stuff and just hammered it up in there all night long and allowed us to get the lead.’’

The Madison Academy-West Morgan winner advances to the quarterfinals to play the Anniston-Good Hope winner in the third round.