By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

LINEVILLE – Shelby County traveled to take on Central-Clay County in the first region game of the year for the Wildcats and were turned away with a 21-9 loss, dropping them to 1-2 for the year. The Wildcats put a good fight and had some success on the offensive side of the ball, but in the end the home team proved to be too much on this night, taking care of business like it did last year against Shelby County.

Jamarius Mayfield led the way for Shelby County with 239 all-purpose yards. Mayfield had 100 yards rushing on 16 tries, had 97 total kick return yards, and caught a 42-yard pass as well.

Shelby County threw the ball more than it normally does or even like to, with quarterback Mason Blythe delivering a 6-14 performance from under center for 119 yards, no touchdowns and a pick. Mayfield had the Wildcats only score of the night in one of his first half rushing attempts.

The halftime score was close at 14-9, but Shelby County couldn’t muster any second half points, and Central-Clay County added another score to put the game out of reach.

Shelby County falls to 1-2, and will return home on Sept. 11 to face Tallassee as it tries to get back on track as the second quarter of the season starts.