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The Calera Eagles rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit to score 21 points in the final period and defeat the Chilton County Tigers for their second-straight win. (For the Reporter/Ian Velasquez)

By SCOTT MIMS | Special to the Reporter

CALERA — Friday night, Oct. 11’s game between the Calera Eagles and the Chilton County Tigers was a tale of two halves—halves that were nearly mirror images of each other.

Despite Calera scoring right out of the gate, Chilton dominated the first half, racking up three touchdowns and leading 21-7 at halftime. But the second half was all Calera, as the Tigers did not capitalize on opportunities to extend their lead or keep the Eagles’ offense grounded.

In the end, the Eagles took the 35-21 win at Ricky Cairns Stadium to come back and claim their second-straight victory.

“Our OC and DC, they made great halftime adjustments,” Calera coach Scott Rials said. “Our guys believed they could do it. They really committed and believed in each other. I’m really proud of our guys and our coaches. We really took the fight to them in the second half, and that was some good Calera Eagle football.”

Calera scored the only touchdown of the first quarter, and it was 7-0 going into the second.

All three of Chilton County’s touchdowns occurred in the second quarter—a D.K. Wright score was bookended by two Luke Moatts touchdowns. Cadyn Tinsley made an interception for the Tigers as well. All extra points were good, resulting in a 21-7 score at the half.

The Eagles had their moment in the fourth quarter when they quickly pulled away from the Tigers.

This was partly thanks to Demetrius Davis, who scored twice and rushed 84 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback A.J. Johnson completed 11 of 22 passes for a total 208 yards and two touchdowns; he also rushed for 76 yards. In addition, J.D. Henderson rushed for 10 yards.

Receiving for Calera, K.D. Young totaled 96 yards and one touchdown, Cameron Hagler had 82 yards and a touchdown, and Elijah Bates had 28 yards.

Defensively for Calera, Josh Littleton made a 38-yard interception return and scored a touchdown.

Adjustments were also key for CCHS, in terms of defensive strategy, which helped them in the first half according to coach Eddie Wall. He took credit for the moment he felt that the game’s momentum shifted away from the Tigers.

“We came out of halftime and got a defensive stop,” Wall said. “Our offense went on a pretty good drive, we got inside the 20 and instead of kicking the field goal I felt like they could get the first down but they didn’t. I should have kicked a field goal right there, but I didn’t. I don’t kick the field goal and then they turn around and get the big touchdown.

“I just want the kids to keep fighting. I love these kids, but we’ve got to learn how to play four quarters.”

Calera will host the region-leading and undefeated Spain Park Jaguars on Oct. 18 for its next game and penultimate one in region play.

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