By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

CENTREVILLE – Calera did what it needed to do in it’s opener against neighboring Bibb County on Aug. 28, beating the 4A Choctaws on their own turf 33-9.

The game was not as lopsided as the final score would indicate for the entire game. After one quarter of play, neither team had made a mark on the scoreboard, and the Eagles were tied 0-0 with the home team Bibb County. In the second quarter, both programs got on the board. Bibb County scored via a safety while Calera put 12 points on the board to take a 12-2 half into the break.

Another scoreless third quarter took the game into the final quarter of play with Calera holding on to a 10-point lead before the Eagles busted the game wide open in the fourth quarter. Calera dropped 21 on the Choctaws in the fourth quarter, almost double what the Eagles scored in the first three quarters combined, compared to Bibb County’s seven fourth quarter points to clinch the win, 33-9.

Kyle Harrell led the way for Calera as he rushed for 218 yards on the ground and scored touchdowns of 53, 72 and 51 yards respectively, scoring more points than Bibb County by himself. Ty Evans also rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Charles White and Tray Jones both came down with an interception as well.

5A No. 9 Calera moves to 1-0 on the season and will travel to Demopolis next week.