By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

COLUMBIANA – What started out as a close contest turned into something of a rout late in Columbiana as the visiting Tallassee Tigers pulled away from host Shelby County in a 44-28 drubbing.

The game started out close enough, with Tallassee taking a 6-0 lead into the second quarter, and just a 14-13 lead into the half before blowing the game open in the second half and erupting for 30 points and the win.

Jamarius Mayfield again had the biggest night for the Wildcats, rushing for 107 yards on 20 carries and catching two passes for 43 yards while scoring all four Shelby County touchdowns, two on the ground and two through the air.

Mason Blythe went 5-11 throwing the ball for 67 yards and two scores, both to Mayfield. Shelby County gained 201 yards on the ground on top of the 67 through the air.

With the loss, Shelby County falls to 1-3 while Tallassee moves to 3-1.

Shelby County will travel to Marbury on Sept. 18 while Tallassee will head to Central-Clay County in a matchup between the two 5A Region 3 heavyweights.