Madison Academy prevails in first-round football preview
MADISON – In what turned into a preview of the state playoffs first round, some familiar names and some not so much came to the front for Madison Academy.
Junior quarterback Charleston Owens had his usual bang up performance, while a freshman stepped forward at running back in a 42-28 Friday night win over Lee-Scott Academy.
The Warriors from Auburn will make a return trip north to again take on the Mustangs at Bill Washington Stadium in postseason action when the regular season wraps this week.
“There’s a lot of things I think we can do better than what we did (Friday) night, so I think that will hopefully motivate our kids or keep their attention,’’ Madison Academy head coach Bob Godsey said. “It wasn’t just easy if that makes any sense. We left some plays on the field and we can play so much cleaner.’’
The Mustangs (6-3 overall, 5-2 in the region) will step out of league play to conclude the regular season Thursday night at home against Class 5A Boaz (72). The Warriors (2-8) are idle this week.
With the revamped Alabama High School Athletic Association, the Private School Double-A postseason bracket features two Region 2 games that are rematches from games played just a week ago.
In the first round Nov. 6, Madison Academy hosts Lee-Scott Academy, which the Mustangs defeated 42-28 at home Oct. 23; and Randolph hosts John Carroll, which the Raiders defeated at home 25-21 the same night.
All 16 teams–eight per region–in this division advance to the postseason.
Godsey said he’s faced the scenario of playing an opponent twice in a short time span and added it could be a “little nerve-wracking, that type of thing,’’ trying to keep the players focused.
“Like I always say at the end of the day it’s about getting ready to play and handling your business.’’
Against Lee-Scott, the game was tied at 7-all before Madison Academy scored 21 straight and led 21-7 after one quarter and 28-7 at halftime. The Warriors pulled to within 28-21 with under four minutes left in the third.
But Madison Academy pushed the lead back to 35-21 entering the fourth frame.
Owens completed 10-of-20 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 146 on just three carries with two going for TDs including a long of 76. Knowles had 14 carries for 187 yards with two TDs. Senior Taj Phillips had five receptions for 115 yards with a TD.
“Charleston Owens had another outstanding night,’’ Godsey said. “Taj Phillips had another outstanding night. (Sophomore) Ma’Kai McClain maybe played his best game up front for us defensively as he’s a young guy that’s growing each week. Simeon had an awesome second half in his first real varsity action.’’
If the Mustangs advance past the first round, the likely next opponent is an American Christian that play Westminster to open the postseason. The Patriots from Tuscaloosa defeated Madison Academy 35-21 on Oct. 9.
All the while, Godsey continues to oversee the maturing of a young team.
“Well, you know, as the saying goes, you can’t fool Mother Nature,’’ he said. “We do our best to grow them up, but nature is nature and we’ve got a bunch of young ones. We’re working overtime.’’
