Top-ranked Briarwood outmuscles No. 4 Madison Academy

BIRMINGHAM – A matchup of highly-ranked football teams was billed as the Game of the Week by the Alabama High School Athletic Association in the Magic City.

Two teams with rich traditions collided Thursday–No. 1-ranked Briarwood Christian and No. 4 Madison Academy. The Lions were waiting, showed little hospitality to their guest and pounced on a young Mustangs team from the jump.

Briarwood scored on five of its first six possessions, held a big halftime lead and cruised to a 49-14 Region 2 victory at Lions Pride Stadium.

“Madison Academy challenged us, which was good for us,’’ Lions head coach Matthe Forester  told al.com after the game.

Mustangs veteran head coach Bob Godsey wasn’t so sure about the challenge part. The Lions led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, 35-7 at halftime and 49-7 heading into the fourth.

“We got our butts handed to us,” Godsey said. “Briarwood has a really good football team. When seniors play freshman and sophomores, they should win big. Give us a couple of years and things will change.

The Mustangs have extra time to put the loss behind them and lick any physical or mental wounds with a bye this week.

Briarwood, which moved up two spots to No. 9 in this Alabama Sports Writers Super 25 power rankings that include all classes, remained unbeaten at 5-0 overall and 3-0 in region play. American Christian (4-0, 3-0) is tied for first in the region standings, followed by Randolph (4-1, 2-1) John Carroll (3-2, 2-1) and Madison Academy (3-2, 2-1).

Lee-Scott Academy, St. John Paul II and Westminster are all 0-5, 0-3.

After the open week, Madison Academy will host Randolph. All teams in the 16-member Double-A will advance to the state playoffs, but seeds will be set by region results.

Against Briarwood, junior quarterback Charleston Owens completed 15-of-23 passes for 134 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for 56 yards on 10 attempts.

“Our kids battled for four quarters and I’m proud of our effort,’’ Godsey said, “but we made too many mistakes.”