By MARK WINDHAM / For the Reporter

LUVERNE — Cornerstone Christian School faced a tall order in the first round of the Alabama Independent Schools Association Class 1A playoffs on the road against undefeated Crenshaw Christian Academy.

The Chargers kept pace in the first half, but the second half saw little go right for Cornerstone Christian in a 41-15 loss to Crenshaw Christian in its playoff opener Nov. 4.

Crenshaw Christian took an early 7-0 lead after converting two third-and-long plays on its opening possession.

Cornerstone Christian drove deep into Crenshaw Christian territory twice, but couldn’t manage to get into the end zone.

Cornerstone Christian picked up a safety, however, when a Crenshaw Christian snap on a punt attempt sailed over the punter’s head. The Chargers trailed 7-2 at halftime.

The second half wasn’t kind to the Chargers, who opened the half with an interception and fumble that the Cougars converted into touchdowns to take a 21-2 lead.

The Chargers fought back with two touchdown passes from Adrian Young. The first touchdown pass went for 12 yards to Chase Payne, which was followed by an 18-yard touchdown connection with Demetrius Conwell.

Cornerstone Christian finished the season with a 6-4 record. Chargers’ coach Tim Smith said he was proud of the effort put out by his players not only for the night, but on the season.

“Overall, we had a good year,” Smith said. “The kids played hard every week and that is all I could ask for. They gave it everything they each week of the season and got better. This is a great group of kids and I am thankful for everything they gave to the program here at Cornerstone.”