By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

DEATSVILLE – The Shelby County offense was clicking on all cylinders in its traditional ground-and-pound style on the way to a 69-40 victory over regional foe Marbury on the road in a much-needed win on Sept. 18.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 14-6 lead after the first quarter, and held a slim 21-18 lead headed into the break before erupting in the second half for 48 points to Marbury’s 22 as Shelby County matched its highest point total in school history, dating back to a 69 point game way back on Sept. 13 in 1962, per Ahsfhs.org.

In classic Shelby County fashion, the Wildcats gained essentially all of their offense on the ground. Quarterback Mason Blythe threw just two passes on the night, completing one of those attempts for a single yard. The rushing attack was good for the other 519 yards of the 520 the offense accounted for.

Mack Slaughter had a career night for the Wildcats, carrying the rock 30 times for a whopping 226 yards and five touchdowns, plus a two-point conversion as well, good for 32 points by himself. Jamarius Mayfield continued his impressive offensive season with 248 yards rushing on just 13 carries, averaging 19 yards a touch on the night, for three touchdowns. Slaughter and Mayfield by themselves accounted for 474 yards of the 520 gained by the Wildcat offense on the night.

With the win, Shelby County moves to 1-2 in the region and 2-3 overall. The Wildcats are on the road again next week with a tough game at Calera.