By NEAL EMBRY/For the Reporter

HARPERSVILLE — Edgewood Academy ran the state’s longest winning streak to 46 games Friday night with a 56-0 victory over Coosa Valley Academy in an AISA matchup.

The visiting Wildcats were led by running back Josh Crawford and quarterback Ryan Bottoms.  Crawford, a Vanderbilt commit, had 80 yards on just six carries, one of which was an early touchdown for the Wildcats.  Bottoms was 10 of 13 for 210 yards and four touchdowns.

Edgewood’s Herman McKenzie, who has received a scholarship offer from Oregon State, sat out the game with an injury.  Coosa Valley suffered a few injuries in the game, with running back Walker Holmes leaving the game in the first quarter after being hit while on the run.

Both teams struggled with penalties throughout the game, but the Wildcats simply refused to be denied points, scoring seven times in the first half, including touchdowns of 25, 35 and 38 yards.

Coosa Valley committed three turnovers, giving Edgewood outstanding field position each time.  6-8, 240 pound Nigerian native Tega Junior ran back a Rebel fumble for a touchdown, and after intercepting Coosa Valley’s pass on the ensuing drive, the Wildcats scored to take a 49-0 lead into halftime.

Edgewood added to their lead for the last time at the end of the third quarter with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Tripp Carr, the son of coach Bobby Carr.

The Wildcats gained 454 yards on the night, and the offensive numbers did not go unnoticed by Coach Carr.

Coosa Valley Coach Bob Taylor said his team will learn from this and work on what they need to do for next week.

“We knew it was going to be a tough challenge.  We’ve got to continue working and do the things we need to do to be a good football team.  It was just like a wave after wave of them (Edgewood).  But we’ve got to work and get better each week,” he said.

Coosa Valley will travel to Evangel Christian School on Sept. 5, while Edgewood will travel to Glenwood.