By Joseph Antonio / Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – On Thursday night, Oct. 29, the Shelby County Wildcats finished their season with a loud roar in a convincing 52-14 route over the visiting Tarrant Wildcats. The night was filled with heavy emotion for Shelby’s senior class, especially after running back Jamarius Mayfield broke Dee Sutton’s single-season rushing record before halftime, eclipsing over 1,700 yards in his senior season.

The game was never close, as Shelby County jumped out to a commanding 40-0 lead over Tarrant before halftime. Mayfield was the key player who stole the show, as he scored all four of his touchdowns in the first half. The Shelby defense was also relentless, forcing three turnovers and holding Tarrant scoreless for over three-quarters.

It was a season with many ups and downs for Shelby County; most notably two losses to Helena and Sylacauga by a combined two-points, which could have given the school a winning record and a shot in the playoffs. However, the season came to an end Thursday night and the Wildcats will have to hope they can ride this momentous wave into next season instead.

After being doused in Gatorade by his beloved seniors, Shelby County head coach Heath Childers was nonetheless all smiles and optimistic of the things to come. “I am very proud of these seniors. I’ve already told them. They have held the rope and they have pulled through during tough times and they have laid a foundation we can build a football program on.”